Pearson’s Connections Academy Partners with the National Technical Honor Society to Enhance Career and Leadership Development for Students
New partnership provides students access to technical fields, career development, and recognition by post-secondary recruiters
Hoboken, NJ, Oct. 16, 2024 – – Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), and its Connections Academy, announced today a new partnership with the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), a nonprofit student organization focused on excellence in career and technical education (CTE). This collaboration provides students in Connections Academy-supported schools with exposure to technical fields through career and leadership development, service and scholarship opportunities, and recognition by post-secondary recruiters, including employers, colleges, and vocational institutions.
The partnership is critical because it will provide more direct pathways for students into the labor market. According to projections from the U.S. Department of Labor, the nation is facing significant demographic shifts, which will cause workforce shortages across a wide variety of industries in the coming decades. CTE in some of the most in-demand and well-paying areas of work – information technology, healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, logistics and key business roles – will give students a competitive edge and help businesses and regions address labor gaps. The opportunities for students enabled by the partnership between Connections Academy and NTHS are timely, as they align with the increasing demand for skilled professionals in these high-growth industries.
NTHS has established relationships with Connections Academy’s other career program partners, the Future Business Leaders of America and HOSA Future Health Professionals, and will engage students and enhance career and technical programming through chapters at individual Connections Academy-supported schools. Being part of NTHS offers numerous benefits for students, including:
- Recognition and Prestige: Membership recognizes students for their academic excellence and dedication to CTE, adding prestige and serving as a mark of distinction on their resumes or college applications.
- Scholarship Opportunities: NTHS offers various scholarship opportunities to its members, making learning more cost effective and helping them pursue further education or training in their chosen technical fields.
- Networking Opportunities: Through the NTHS platform, students are able to connect with peers, educators, and industry professionals who share their interests and goals.
- Leadership Development: NTHS encourages leadership development through involvement in chapter activities, community service projects, and leadership roles within the organization.
- Career Advancement: Membership demonstrates to employers that students have a strong foundation in their chosen technical field and are committed to excellence.
- Access to Resources and Support: Access to workshops, professional development opportunities and other resources support students’ academic and career goals.
"Exposing students to different career opportunities and pathways to meaningful work is the cornerstone of our approach," said Casey Welch, Vice President, Careers, Pearson’s Virtual Learning division. "Through our partnership with NTHS, we aim to provide our students with the skills, experiences and connections they need to continue to grow their confidence and succeed in rapidly growing fields that pay wealth-creating futures."
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, NTHS honors the achievements of top CTE students, serving over 100,000 active members annually in both secondary and post-secondary chapters across the country, and providing close to $300,000 in scholarships annually. Having served over 1.2 million members in secondary and postsecondary chapters across the country and beyond, NTHS’s strength in connecting education and CTE industries to build a highly skilled workforce makes the organization a valuable partner for Connections Academy’s career program, which is focused on providing students with direction, confidence and connections.
“Partnering with Pearson’s Connections Academy aligns perfectly with our mission to empower students through career and technical education,” said Peyton Holland, Executive Director of NTHS. “We are excited to work together to recognize and support efforts that encourage technical skill, employability skill, and leadership development. Through this collaboration, we’re helping to bridge the gap between education and industry, while shining a light on the importance of CTE.”
The partnership with NTHS is part of Connections Academy’s expanded college and early career readiness offerings. Recognizing the demand for job-focused skill-building and career exposure, the program launched in spring 2023 with tailored opportunities to its middle and high school students. The tri-credit approach enables students to receive high school credit, industry-recognized micro-credentials, and eligibility for college credit toward over 150 U.S. bachelor's degree programs, including Southern New Hampshire University. Connections Academy also partners with professional and higher education organizations such as the Future Business Leaders of America, The Home Depot, HOSA-Future Health Professionals, and the SEMI Foundation to broaden students’ exposure to careers across various industries.
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. 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.
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 National Technical Honor Society
Since 1984, National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) has been the honor society for Career and Technical Education, serving high schools, career centers, community & technical colleges, and universities. Recognizing over 65,000 new members annually, NTHS exists to advocate for and empower all students to pursue the skills needed to build their careers and a skilled global workforce. Learn more about NTHS at https://nths.org/.
Media Contact
Joyce Davis
joyce.davis@pearson.com