The online program doubles career partnerships, increasing
students' exposure to industry experiences
HOBOKEN, N.J., Sept. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson
(FTSE: PSON.L) and its Connections Academy, the fully online public
school program serving K-12 students, announced today the expansion
of their college and early career program into more than 20
schools. The program, now in over half of the Connections
Academy-supported schools in the country provides tens of thousands
of middle and high school students with opportunities to earn
college credits and industry certifications, giving them a head
start on their higher education and career journeys.
Recognizing the demand for job-focused, skill-building and
career exposure, Pearson understood the need to tailor
opportunities to middle and high school students and launched the
Connections Academy college and early career readiness
offerings in 2023.
The program's tri-credit approach enables students to
receive high school credit, industry-recognized micro-credentials,
and eligibility for college credit toward U.S. bachelor's degree
programs. Initially supported by curriculum and credential
partnerships with Coursera, Acadeum, and Pearson's Credly, students
are now benefitting from new partnerships with professional
organizations, including the Future Business Leaders of America,
The Home Depot, HOSA-Future Health Professionals and the SEMI
Foundation, which provide them with experiences in careers
across industries.
"Nearly 70% of students start thinking about their careers
before 11th grade, and 14% begin considering their
options in kindergarten - sixth grade," said Lorin Thomas-Tavel, managing director, Pearson
virtual schools, referencing original Pearson research.
"Considering young people's mindsets and the shifting focus of
students, colleges and employers toward skills-based learning and
recruiting, it is imperative we prepare them for successful early
careers by addressing barriers such as cost and providing them with
direction, confidence and connections."
In addition to micro-credentials, and high school and college
credit, these type of student needs are met through the program
providing access to career assessments and lessons, developing
post-secondary plans, selecting specific careers, writing in career
journals, watching career videos, connecting with career coaches
and earning badges. Programming for the fall also includes
engagement with professionals in science, technology, engineering,
math, film and creative careers.
Students in more than half of Connections Academy schools now
have access to college and early career programming, which will
continue expanding to Connections Academy-supported schools in the
coming years.
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to
help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We
believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal
breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are
committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences
designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning
company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital
content, assessments, qualifications, 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, tuition-free, online public school program for K-12
students. With 20+ years of expertise 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
fundamental 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 journey,
learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be
resourceful and resilient. Connections Academy-supported schools
offer grades K through 12, though 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.
Media Contact
joyce.davis@pearson.com
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