COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS
We empower students to pursue their passions—and get a head start on their post-graduation career goals.
OUR CAREER OFFERING
Discover Your Full Potential
Whether your student has a clear idea of what they want to do after high school or is just starting to figure out their goals, Connections Academy® is passionate about helping our students feel confident and prepared to take on the future. Our unique college prep and career offerings are designed to give the knowledge, skills, and connections students need to succeed long after graduation.
Offered to middle and high school students in select states, our career-readiness offering is designed to help students thrive, whether in college or in the job field. Participants complete traditional courses as well as industry-leading electives focused on in-demand and growing career fields, and can engage in meaningful experiences through our partnerships with top companies, organizations, and higher education institutions.
Workforce Development: How We Prepare Connections Academy Students
Hear from Pearson's Head of Career Solutions, Lorna Bryant, about how we prepare students for future career paths through partnerships with organizations like Coursera, HOSA, Home Depot Path to Pro, The SEMI Foundation, and more!
CAREER EXPLORATION
Find Your Unique Direction
For many students, the future can seem intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. We give students the freedom and support they need to discover which career fields excite them most.
We currently offer career pathways in three high-growth industries, with more areas coming soon. These include:
- Information Technology
- Business
- Healthcare
DEVELOP
Build Professional Skills that Employers Look For
By completing traditional core courses and career-focused electives, students develop both soft skills (such as critical thinking, time management, communication and more) as well as specific skills aligned with their chosen career focus.
Blog Spotlight
Earn Digital Credentials with Credly
Our students can earn industry-recognized badges through Credly to showcase their skills to future employers or schools. Sample badges include Leadership, Communication and Collaboration, and Time Management.
Earn Professional Certificates with Coursera
We’re the only virtual public school that partners with Coursera, which gives students the chance to earn entry-level professional certificates from top companies, including Google, Meta, IBM, Salesforce, and more.
"This program helped me develop more skills and helped me have more career choice opportunities."
— Rachel, Iowa Connections Academy Student
CONNECT
Start Building Your Network
Relationships and connections are important at any stage of a career, including at entry-level. We partner with best-in-class companies, organizations, and higher education institutions to bring relevant opportunities, experiences, and meaningful engagement to our students. Through these opportunities, students learn the interpersonal skills they need to establish and grow connections with others, as well as begin to build their own professional network, all before graduation.
Meet Our Partners
COLLEGE PREP
Getting Ready for Higher Education
No matter what their post-graduation plans are, we believe that all students can benefit from a career-focused education. Discover all the ways we help our students prepare for higher education, including SAT prep, college application guidance, NCAA-approved courses, and more.
Dual- & Tri-Credit Opportunities
In addition to honors and Advanced Placement®* courses, students have opportunities to participate in dual-credit and tri-credit opportunities.
*AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.
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Find Your Participating Connections Academy School
Currently, 23 of our schools offer career pathways—and counting! Visit your school’s page to learn more. If your state isn't currently listed, please submit your information below to stay informed about new developments in your state.
See What a Future at Connections Academy Looks Like
Sample Schedules
Sample Lessons
Student Stories
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