The Academy of Finance

— Designed by Top US Industry Leaders

The Wall Street
Master Class®

*See Disclosures

The keys to Wall Street and Beyond.

The Wall Street Master Class® is a program designed by Barron’s and Forbes U.S. Top Advisor James E. Demmert, tailored for high school and college students who want to strengthen their résumés, enhance college applications, secure future internships or entry-level positions, and lay the foundation for building lifelong personal wealth.

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An Immersive, Real-World Experience

The best way to learn about wealth is to live it.
The program combines in-person classes and online learning with real-world simulations and mentorship from Wall Street experts, inside an awarded U.S. investment firm on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

  • Management of a $1 million virtual investment portfolio
  • Mentorship from seasoned Wall Street professionals
  • Participation in an exclusive investment committee
  • Private access to select Wall Street institutions
  • Development of executive communication and networking skills
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The $1 Million Challenge

As part of the program, each student will manage a $1 million virtual portfolio in real-time markets powered by the #1 stock market simulation platform.

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Meet the Leaders of Wall Street

Our weekly guest speakers are accomplished professionals from some of the most prestigious firms in finance. This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from industry leaders in an intimate setting, and to build meaningful connections with those shaping today’s financial world.

View Our Previous Guest Lineup →
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"Having 1 Million dollars to invest with is amazing and unique. It makes you feel like a real investor."
Sawyer R.

Wall Street Master Class Spring 2026

"It’s amazing to learn with a group of like minded individuals who are eager to learn, and apply their new skillsets."
Noah S.

Wall Street Master Class Spring 2026

“It’s been so fun to jump in and learn by doing. Class is super stimulating and the discussions and overall atmosphere make it really engaging".
Cameron

Wall Street Master Class Spring 2026

“It’s really cool to say that I’m attending a financial class with college and postgraduate students.”
Julien E.

Wall Street Master Class Spring 2026

"This is from far the best virtual experience I ever had." (virtual attendance)
Maxwell

Wall Street Master Class Spring 2026 (virtual)

“What excited me the most so far was being able to learn in a building as if I was in Wall Street and experience in-person learning.”
Kiersten V.D

Wall Street Master Class Spring 2026

“The in-class experience is truly one of a kind. I’ve learned so much from my peers and have made amazing connections with them.”
Daniel C.

Wall Street Master Class Spring 2026

“Going into the city, learning from a great experienced professional in finance, seeing how other people think it’s always so interesting.”
Tatiana

Wall Street Master Class Summer 2025

"I had an amazing learning experience, this is an extraordinary opportunity to learn how the market works in a real-world-environment."
Harris White

Wall Street Master Class Summer 2025

“The atmosphere is safe and welcoming.”
Gianna

Wall Street Master Class Summer 2025

“I feel very included and immersed, almost as if I’m there.” (virtual attendance)
Maxwell

Wall Street Master Class Spring 2026 (virtual)

Being a student not only deepened my knowledge of finance tremendously, but also ignited an even stronger passion for the field. "
Alexa - Student - Academy of Finance
Alexandra S.

Wall Street Master Class Summer 2025

“I feel as though I’m truly learning valuable skills and tactics to make me a better investor.”
Christann

Wall Street Master Class Summer 2025

"I believe in-person classes are best, this gives participants the opportunity to make connections while sharing a common interest."
Tatiana

Student / Wall Street Master Class Summer 2025

“I am excited to see where my portfolio ends up and to learn to master buying the correct stocks.”
Gianna

Wall Street Master Class Summer 2025

Graduation

Graduates walk away with the real-world experience and confidence to build their future personal wealth and skills.

  • Official Wall Street Master Class® diploma
  • Personalized letter of recommendation from industry leaders
  • Practical portfolio experience & technical investment skills
  • StockTrak Certification®
  • Foundational understanding of long-term wealth creation and disciplined decision-making
  • Access to internship pathways, career referrals, and the Academy’s alumni network
  • Academic credit eligibility (subject to approval by individual institutions)

Program Details

Next Session

  • Cohorts: High School (Grades 10–12) | College (Undergraduate)
  • Format: In-person weekly sessions (2 hours) + virtual coursework
  • Duration: 8 Weeks
  • Dates: First week of June
  • Enrollment: Limited to a select number of students

Application process

  • Visit theacademyoffinance.org/apply
  • Submit the online application
  • Interview
  • Receive a decision within 2 weeks

Start an application →

TUITION $3500

*Note: Proceeds from tuition support scholarships, instructors, and other school-related expenses.

SCHOLARSHIPS

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to expanding access to financial education. We proudly offer scholarships and encourage ALL motivated students to apply.
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Donations

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to expanding access to financial education. Through donations and grants, we provide access, innovation, and community impact beyond our tuition model.
Support us

“The greatest investment a young person can make is in their own education, in their own mind. The more you learn, the more you will earn.”

— Warren Buffett

“The Journey to Wealth”

At the heart of the Academy’s curriculum is the award-winning book The Journey to Wealth, written by our co-founder and Chairman, James E. Demmert — one of Barron’s Top Financial Advisors and a respected voice on Wall Street. This acclaimed guide forms the foundation of our program, offering students a clear and strategic framework to understand financial markets, build lasting wealth, and make sound decisions.

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