Pearson and its Connections Academy, the totally on-line public faculty program serving Ok-12 college students, introduced final week the growth of their school and early profession program into greater than 20 colleges. This system, now in over half of the Connections Academy-supported colleges within the nation gives tens of 1000’s of center and highschool college students with alternatives to earn school credit and {industry} certifications, giving them a head begin on their larger schooling and profession journeys.
Recognizing the demand for job-focused, skill-building and profession publicity, Pearson understood the necessity to tailor alternatives to center and highschool college students and launched the Connections Academy school and early profession readiness choices in 2023.
This system’s tri-credit strategy permits college students to obtain highschool credit score, industry-recognized micro-credentials, and eligibility for school credit score towards U.S. bachelor’s diploma packages. Initially supported by curriculum and credential partnerships with Coursera, Acadeum, and Pearson’s Credly, college students at the moment are benefitting from new partnerships with skilled organizations, together with the Future Enterprise Leaders of America, The Dwelling Depot, HOSA-Future Well being Professionals and the SEMI Basis, which give them with experiences in careers throughout industries.
“Practically 70% of scholars begin occupied with their careers earlier than eleventh grade, and 14% start contemplating their choices in kindergarten – sixth grade,” stated Lorin Thomas-Tavel, managing director, Pearson digital colleges, referencing authentic Pearson analysis. “Contemplating younger folks’s mindsets and the shifting focus of scholars, faculties and employers towards skills-based studying and recruiting, it’s crucial we put together them for profitable early careers by addressing obstacles reminiscent of price and offering them with route, confidence and connections.”
Along with micro-credentials, and highschool and school credit score, these sort of pupil wants are met via this system offering entry to profession assessments and classes, growing post-secondary plans, deciding on particular careers, writing in profession journals, watching profession movies, connecting with profession coaches and incomes badges.
Programming for the autumn additionally consists of engagement with professionals in science, know-how, engineering, math, movie and artistic careers.
College students in additional than half of Connections Academy colleges now have entry to school and early profession programming, which is able to proceed increasing to Connections Academy-supported colleges within the coming years.
