You’re a teenager about to embark on your career in today’s world. In a fast-changing labor market, employers are looking for entry-level candidates with career-ready skills that mean they can hit the ground running. Applicants who can prove they are willing and able to upskill and reskill themselves at work are highly prized.
It's little wonder research shows over 75% of high school students want to focus on building skills that will prepare them for in-demand jobs. But at the same time, they’re feeling anxious about how to get there, worried about making the wrong ‘post-secondary’ decision.
That’s why Pearson's Connections Academy, a leader of K-12 online education for full-time students, is expanding college and career readiness initiatives in partnerships with Credly, Coursera, Acadeum, and e-Dynamic Learning. Together, we want to help teens navigate post-secondary pathways and put them in the best possible position for college and their careers. One of my colleagues, Nik Osborne, who has been a leader in this initiative describes it well by saying:
"We're supercharging the college and career prep experience for high school students with meaningful new learning opportunities that set them up for post-secondary success –– whether that means planning for two or four-year college upon graduation or opting to earn job-ready credentials while in high school, or both. This is about connecting students to their unique interests and giving them the support they need to be confident about their next steps"
Innovative new tri-credit approach can optimize learning outcomes, saving students time and money
The career readiness initiatives for Connections Academy online high school students will offer a new tri-credit approach where select courses can deliver:
- High school credit from Connections Academy
- Industry-recognized micro-credentials through Coursera, and
- Eligibility for college credit toward over 150 bachelor’s degree programs in the U.S. via the Coursera/Acadeum partner network
The industry credentials available can help high school students qualify for careers in fields like data analytics, UX design, software development, and cybersecurity, while also allowing them to earn eligible credit and cost savings toward a college degree.
Connections Academy Career Pathways
We're also launching a new Connections Academy Career Pathways program for middle and high school students, which will deliver curated learning experiences in IT, Business, and Healthcare. Students can connect with employers, internships, clubs and take advantage of specialized classes from e-Dynamic Learning that transition seamlessly to higher education and/or nationally recognized industry certifications.
Connections Academy high school students also have free access to Credly to help them earn digital badges to enhance their career options. Credly is a Pearson business.
These initiatives underline our commitment to help people prepare for, and thrive in, the new skills-based economy. Through these programs, we’re creating multiple pathways for middle and high school students to unlock learning opportunities as they head toward their futures in college and work.
Dr. Lorna Bryant is the Director of Career Solutions for Pearson Virtual Schools. As an educator, administrator and career education expert, she has spent over 25 years working to identify and create effective and engaging educational options for children.
