The Swanson Academy of Business and Finance is a four-year high school program that combines rigorous financial training with the deep economic tradition of the African-American community.
Black Wall Street. Freedom Colonies. Mutual-aid societies. The credit union movement. Sou-sou networks. These are not artifacts — they are working economic models with centuries of proof.
The Academy is named in honor of Dr. Reginald Swanson of Pratt City, whose life embodies the integration of scholarship and community stewardship.
"Economic education without community context produces technicians. Economic education rooted in heritage produces builders."
— Swanson Academy Founding Principle
Grade 10–12 Specialization
Entrepreneurship, business modeling, startup financials, and a 12-month Business Launch Lab capstone. Students graduate with a real business plan — and ideally, a real business.
Grade 10–12 Specialization
Investment fundamentals, portfolio construction, community wealth systems, and a Wealth Proposal capstone. Students graduate with a personal and community wealth strategy.
Grade 9 — Shared Foundation (All Students)
Personal finance, Heritage-as-Capital history, the Time Value of Money, taxes, banking & credit, insurance, and community wealth introduction. All students complete this before selecting a track in Grade 10.
Filter by grade or track. Each unit covers objectives, vocabulary, discussion questions, and community history connections.
Random income scenario, 8 budget categories, 50/30/20 scoring, and surprise events.
Play → 📈$10,000 to invest in 5 community-anchored companies across 10 market rounds.
Play → 🚀12-month simulation — pricing, staffing, marketing, and community reinvestment decisions.
Play →Adopt Swanson Academy as an after-school or elective program. We provide curriculum, digital tools, and teacher onboarding. You provide the students and the space.
Start a Conversation →Host Swanson Academy sessions in your fellowship hall. Extend your congregation's economic discipleship ministry to the next generation.
Partner with BBYM →Create a free student account and begin the Grade 9 Foundation curriculum today.