on campus. 40 hours of community service are required for graduation, up to 20 of which can be hours worked at the school. In addition to their regular classes, students of all academies have the opportunity to develop research projects. Research can be conducted in cell biology, chemistry and nanotechnology, stem cells, agriscience, psychology, nano-structural imaging, optics, and mathematics, among other subjects. Current academies BCA is currently divided into seven academic and professional divisions, often referred to by their acronyms or, colloquially, by their single-word nicknames. However, BCA is treated as a single high school within the district and the state. The Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology (AAST; Science) was founded in 1992. AAST focuses on in-depth instruction of the sciences along with the practical applications of the scientific ideas learned in the classroom. By the end of sophomore year, students have taken courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. The academy also features a weekly lab rotation for the first two years. As the academy is science-based, many AAST students take on personal research projects in addition to their regular classes. The Academy for Business and Finance (ABF; Business) was founded in 2002, separating from the Academy for Business and Computer Technology that was founded in 1997. Students in ABF take courses in economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, management information systems, entrepreneurship, and business ethics. To graduate, ABF students are required to complete a senior thesis and participate in the full IB Diploma Programme. Additional ABF opportunities include participation in DECA, involvement in their global studies program, and special access to the Financial Markets Lab, funded by Bloomberg technology, allowing students to conduct economic research and analysis. The Academy for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Administration (ACAHA; Culinary) was founded in 1998, originally called the "Academy for Culinary Arts" (ACA). Along with their core classes, ACAHA focuses on hospitality management, entrepreneurship, and the culinary arts. As a part of the academy's curriculum, students receive certification from the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation and the ServSafe Managers program. Though seeking the IB diploma is optional, ACAHA also has access to International Baccalaureate business management courses. Students often participate in the ProStart Hospitality Management competition and SkillsUSA Leadership Conferences, as well as BCA's annual Chocolate Competition. The Academy for Engineering and Design Technology (AEDT; Engineering) was founded in 1997. The academy was formed "as an extension of AAST", with