Pearson Expands College and Early Career Programs at Connections Academy Schools Across the Country
In a significant move to enhance educational opportunities for middle and high school students, Pearson and Connections Academy have expanded their college and early career program to over half of the Connections Academy-supported schools in the United States. This expansion, which includes more than 20 schools, aims to provide tens of thousands of students with the chance to earn college credits and industry certifications, setting them on a path towards success in higher education and their future careers.
The demand for job-focused, skill-building, and career exposure opportunities among students prompted Pearson to launch the Connections Academy college and early career readiness offerings in 2023. Understanding the importance of tailoring programs to meet the needs of middle and high school students, Pearson partnered with industry leaders to provide students with a comprehensive approach to preparing for their future.
The program’s unique tri-credit approach allows students to earn high school credit, industry-recognized micro-credentials, and eligibility for college credit towards U.S. bachelor’s degree programs. Initially supported by partnerships with leading educational platforms like Coursera, Acadeum, and Pearson’s Credly, the program has since expanded to include collaborations with professional organizations such as Future Business Leaders of America, The Home Depot, HOSA-Future Health Professionals, and the SEMI Foundation. These partnerships offer students valuable experiences in a variety of career fields, helping them explore different industries and gain insight into potential career paths.
Lorin Thomas-Tavel, managing director of Pearson virtual schools, highlighted the importance of early career preparation, stating, “Nearly 70% of students start thinking about their careers before 11th grade, and 14% begin considering their options in kindergarten – sixth grade.” With a focus on skills-based learning and recruitment trends, Pearson is committed to equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
In addition to micro-credentials, high school, and college credit opportunities, the program addresses students’ individual needs by providing access to career assessments, post-secondary planning resources, career journals, videos, and connections with career coaches. Students can also earn badges to showcase their achievements and skills to potential employers, helping them stand out in a crowded job market.
As part of the fall programming, students will have the chance to engage with professionals in various fields, including science, technology, engineering, math, film, and creative careers. These interactions are designed to inspire and motivate students as they explore different career paths and consider their future goals.
With college and early career programming now available in more than half of Connections Academy schools, Pearson and Connections Academy are committed to expanding these opportunities to all Connections Academy-supported schools in the coming years. By providing students with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their educational and career journeys, Pearson is helping to shape the next generation of leaders and innovators.
About Pearson
At Pearson, our mission is to help people achieve their dreams through learning. With a global team of dedicated employees, we strive to create engaging and impactful learning experiences that make a real difference in people’s lives. As the world’s leading lifelong learning company, we serve customers in nearly 200 countries with a wide range of digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. Learning isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com to learn more about our commitment to education and lifelong learning.
About Connections Academy
Connections Academy is a tuition-free, online public school program for K-12 students, offering a high-quality education that emphasizes student engagement and motivation. With over 20 years of experience in online learning, Connections Academy understands how to create a safe and supportive virtual learning environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Teachers work closely with families to help students develop essential life skills and discover their unique learning styles, empowering them to take control of their educational journey and succeed in the real world. As part of the global learning company Pearson, Connections Academy is dedicated to providing students with the tools they need to excel in school and beyond. For more information, call 1-800-382-6010 or visit https://www.ConnectionsAcademy.com.
