The Newman Smith High School NAF (National Academy Foundation) Academy of Innovation, powered by Raytheon Technologies, has been recognized as a Katherine Blasik Distinguished Academy for 2024, NAF’s highest level of achievement.

This is the second year of the Academy of Innovation and the first time it has been eligible for this honor. Typically, academies require four or more years before qualifying.

In recognition of the unusually quick qualification, Dr. Stephanie Jimenez, the Principal of Newman Smith, and Ross Evans, the Academy of Innovation lead teacher, presented at the conference. Newman Smith instructors Nguyen Ly, Chelsea Johnson-Ly and Vanessa Smith also attended the conference.

“This recognition is a testament to the combined effort of our Advisory Board, Administration, and our Faculty,” Evans said. “Without our students, teachers, business and community partners, we couldn’t achieve this level of success.”

The designation is given to a select few who have reached Model level on NAF’s annual assessment, demonstrating strong adherence to a design that prepares students for college and careers.

“Congratulations to all our Katherine Blasik Distinguished and NAF Model academies and another round of applause for our academies joining the ranks for the first time,” said Lisa Dughi, NAF Chief Executive Officer. “You should be extremely proud of all your impactful efforts and important contributions to ensuring student success. NAF thanks you and we know that the entire network will also take inspiration from your shining examples.”  

The Academy of Innovation is part of NAF, a national education nonprofit that supports high school students’ efforts to be future-ready. 

About NAF in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD:

The NAF Academy of Innovation is the Inaugural NAF Academy in CFBISD. The Academy is supported by an advisory board from Raytheon Technologies, IBM, and other businesses in the area. The program is part of a nationwide network of academies from 35 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands serving more than 120,000 students. When students graduate, they join a national network full of fellow future-ready alumni at different stages in their career. Students have access to many exclusive opportunities, including scholarships and preferential hiring at prestigious multinational companies.

In addition to the NAF Academy of Innovation, Newman Smith is also home to the NAF Academy of Building and Design. This Academy serves more than 700 students in 5 different Programs of Study. 

About NAF:

NAF is a national education non-profit that brings schools and businesses together to better prepare students of all backgrounds. Since 1980, NAF has led a movement for immersive, career-focused teaching and work-based learning. With the support of NAF community-based advisory boards, schools connect with the workforce to fuel shared progress—from creating culturally responsive curriculum and paid internship opportunities, to fostering innovation and building future-ready businesses. NAF helps students explore career options, create a plan for the future, and take part in hands-on, work-based learning unlike anything traditional public education systems can offer. NAF puts students on a path to achieving their full potential.

NAF has grown from one NAF Academy of Finance in New York City to hundreds of academies across the country focusing on growing industries including finance, hospitality & tourism, information technology, engineering, and health sciences; and support programs of study that are aligned with the National Career Clusters Framework. During the 2023-24 school year, over 113,000 students attended over 600 NAF academies across 34 states and territories. In 2023, NAF academies reported 99% of seniors graduated with 89% of graduates planning to go to college. Learn more at naf.org and follow us on social @NAFCareerAcads.