Hoboken, New Jersey. – Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) and its Connections AcademyConnections Academy, the fully online public school program serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade, today announced the expansion of its college and career-ready program to more than 20 schools. Now in place at more than half of Connections Academy-supported schools nationwide, the program provides tens of thousands of middle and high school students with the opportunity to earn college credit and industry certifications, giving them a head start on their higher education and career paths.
Recognizing the demand for career opportunities, skills development and professional exposure, Pearson understood the need to tailor these to middle and high school students and launched Connections Academy. College and career readiness offerings in 2023.
The program's three-credit approach allows students to receive high school credits, industry-recognized microcredentials, and eligibility for college credit toward bachelor's degree programs in the U.S. Initially supported by curriculum and credential partnerships with Pearson's Coursera, Acadeum, and Credly, students now benefit from new partnerships with professional organizations including the Future American Business Leaders, The house deposit, HOSA-Health professionals of the future and The SEMI Foundation, that provide them with career experiences in different industries.
“Nearly 70% of students begin thinking about their careers before 11th grade, and 14% begin considering their options between kindergarten and sixth grade.” said Lorin Thomas-Tavel, general manager of Pearson virtual schools, referring to Pearson's original investigation“Given the mindset of young people and the changing approach of students, universities and employers towards skills-based learning and hiring, it is imperative that we prepare them for successful early careers by addressing barriers such as cost and providing them with direction, confidence and connections.”
In addition to microcredentials and high school and college credits, these types of student needs are met through the program, providing them with access to career assessments and lessons, developing post-secondary plans, selecting specific careers, writing in career journals, watching career videos, connecting with career advisors, and earning badges.
Fall programming also includes participation from professionals in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, film and creative careers.
Students at more than half of Connections Academy schools now have access to college and early career programs, which will continue to expand to Connections Academy-supported schools in the coming years.
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the lives they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is an opportunity for personal advancement. That’s why our approximately 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant, enriching learning experiences designed to make a real-life impact. We are the world’s lifelong learning company, serving clients in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, grades and data. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.
About Connections Academy
Connections Academy is a unique, free online public school program for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. With over 20 years of experience in online learning, we know how to create a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on building critical life skills, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational path, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. Connections Academy-supported schools offer kindergarten through 12th grade, although some public school programs do not offer all grades. Connections Academy is part of the global learning company Pearson. For more information, call 1-800-382-6010 or visit https://www.ConnectionsAcademy.com.
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