NAF’s newest network members join a national movement that prepares students for college, career, and future success.
WARWICK, RI — The Warwick Area Career & Technical Center (WACTC) has completed NAF’s application and entry program and will launch its NAF Academy of Marketing & Entrepreneurship for the 2026–27 school year, expanding opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences in business, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
With the launch, Warwick Public Schools becomes one of only four school districts in Rhode Island offering a NAF Academy, joining North Kingstown, Chariho, and Providence.
“By completing its required entry program and joining the NAF national network, WACTC has taken additional steps toward providing students with even more career-connected learning experiences that prepare them for greater success after graduation,” said Frank Galligan, Director of the Warwick Area Career & Technical Center. “This valued partnership gives our students another avenue to develop the technical, professional, and entrepreneurial skills that will serve them well in college, the workplace, and beyond.”
NAF is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing high school students for success in college, career, and life through career-connected learning. Its model provides students with industry-informed curriculum, work-based learning, career exploration, and opportunities to build relationships with professionals.
As part of the entry process, WACTC established a foundation for career-connected education aligned with NAF’s standards and local workforce priorities. NAF will provide personalized support, professional development, resources, and industry-validated curriculum to help educators and community partners successfully implement the academy.
Sharon Bowen, CTE Business teacher at WACTC, expressed her enthusiasm about the new affiliation and the opportunities it will create for students.
“Given our mission of providing high-performing CTE experiences, we are excited to collaborate with the NAF Academy, continuing to expand more cutting-edge opportunities for our students,” said Bowen.
The NAF Academy of Marketing & Entrepreneurship will further strengthen WACTC’s commitment to connecting students with current industry practices and opportunities beyond the classroom. Students will develop skills in marketing, business development, entrepreneurship, communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and professional readiness while gaining a deeper understanding of opportunities in today’s economy.
“We are thrilled to welcome the newest members of the NAF network as they complete their Year of Planning and Fast Track experiences,” said Lisa Dughi, Chief Executive Officer of NAF. “At a time when preparing young people for an evolving economy has never been more important, these schools are making a powerful commitment to expanding opportunity. Together, we are helping students build future-ready skills, discover their potential, and connect education to meaningful careers. We can’t wait to see what these students accomplish.”
The NAF Academy of Marketing & Entrepreneurship will officially begin serving WACTC students during the 2026–27 school year.
About NAF & WACTC
NAF is a national leader in career-connected education, expanding access to real-world learning opportunities for high school students. NAF has grown from one Academy of Finance in New York City to hundreds of academies across the country focused on growing industries including finance, hospitality and tourism, information technology, engineering, and health sciences. NAF also supports programs of study aligned with the National Career Clusters Framework. Learn more at naf.org and follow NAF on social media at @NAFCareerAcads.
The Warwick Area Career and Technical Center (WACTC) is Warwick's Career and Technical High School offering 17 CTE programs that include a wide range of industries and professions. The school is known for providing high quality educational opportunities, with accolades received on both the local and national levels as recently as the Spring of 2026. For more information about the Warwick Area Career and Technical Center, or to apply for enrollment in one of our programs, please call (401) 734-3150.
Click here to return to the Career and Technical Center home page - or, stay 'in the know' with our complete calendar of events for the '26-'27 school year here.