Iowa Connections Academy Celebrates Graduating Seniors From Across The State
Class of 2024 earns more than $400,000 in scholarships and awards
ANITA, IOWA (May 18, 2024) – Iowa Connections Academy, Iowa’s leading tuition-free, online public school for students in grades K-12, celebrated the school’s more than 235 graduating seniors on May 18. Iowa Connections Academy’s Class of 2024 gathered for an in-person ceremony at CAM High School in Anita, alongside their school administrators, teachers, and family members. Graduation speakers included valedictorian, Cecilia Baldwin.
Iowa Connections Academy Class of 2024 consists of graduates from many cities and towns across Iowa, including Anita, Des Moines, and Council Bluffs. Among the graduating class 48 percent plan to attend two-or four-year colleges or universities, 22 percent plan to enter the work force, 11 percent plan to pursue vocational training and 4 percent plan to take a gap year. The graduates were collectively awarded more than $400,000 in scholarship funds.
This year, students at Iowa Connections Academy had the opportunity to benefit from the school’s new Career Technical Education (CTE) and Industry Recognized Certification (IRC) courses. Designed to prepare students for a future they’re passionate about, these courses equip students with practical skills and credentials coveted by employers. This expanded offering works in tandem with a partnership with Iowa Western Community College (IWCC), where students can embark on college-level coursework, earning valuable college credits while still in high school.
Among this year’s graduating class is Jasmine Krueger, who participated in Iowa Connection Academy’s Coursera program to receive a Meta Social Media Marketing certification. The program is an additional career readiness offering available to students enrolled in the online school. “I wanted to get ahead in high school and become a competitive candidate when applying to colleges,” said Krueger. “It was a great opportunity for me to work at my own pace and graduate with college credits and a certification.”
Iowa Connections Academy currently serves approximately 1,400 students in grades K-12 across Iowa in partnership with CAM Community School District. “Our ongoing partnership with Iowa Connections Academy continues to support the students in our community and provide them with an excellent education and welcoming community,” said Superintendent Paul Croghan.
Iowa Connections Academy provides students and families with continuous support from highly skilled teachers and a curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence and the development of fundamental life skills. As a full-time online program, the school is committed to helping students explore their career interests and guiding them toward future success. The school also provides flexible learning plans that can be tailored based on a learner’s specific needs.
At Iowa Connections Academy, each student has access to advanced courses, extracurricular activities, and flexible scheduling that facilitates a hands-on approach to their individual and unique educational journey. Those who enroll in the school join a collaborative community of their fellow students and educators that provides a welcoming, distraction-free learning environment.
Enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year is now open for students in grades K-12. Families interested in Iowa Connections Academy are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions, and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their student. For more information about Iowa Connections Academy or to begin the enrollment process, please visit https://www.connectionsacademy.com/iowa-online-school/ or call 1-800-382-6010.
About Iowa Connections Academy
Iowa Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school for K-12 students. First opened in 2012 and operating in partnership with CAM Community School District, we 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. For more information, call 1-800-382-6010 or visit the school’s website.