Connections Academy is Preparing Students for the New World of Work

September 10, 2025 byConnections Academy

4 min to read

An online student does homework on her laptop.

The world of work is changing at warp speed. Jobs of almost every kind are more tech-driven with the growth of artificial intelligence and automation, and these positions require better problem-solving skills than ever before. However, there can often be a gap between what employers need from their entry-level employees and what students are learning in school.

According to a recent report, this gap leads to a prolonged transition point between when students complete their education and when they enter the workforce, costing the US an estimated $40 billion of lost potential earnings.

To help lead the way in preparing students for their careers, Connections Academy is committed to changing how career-readiness skills are taught. Instead of just teaching job readiness skills, students enrolled in a Connections Academy-supported online school learn how to learn through one-on-one support from teachers, school counselors, and career-focused programs. Students develop foundational skills that can help them address the unpredictability of the future job market with flexibility and adaptability.

Here’s how:

Highly Flexible, Personalized Learning with Connections Academy

Connections Academy students can nurture their individual passions through the increased flexibility and support of online classes, allowing them to learn at their own pace, have access to courses that may not be offered in their local brick-and-mortal school, and have the time during the day to explore interests outside of the classroom.

Many high school students enrolled in Connections Academy get a head start on building their career skills through dual enrollment, internships, apprenticeships, and other networking opportunities, allowing them to gain valuable experience and skills before graduation.

Connections Academy’s Career & College Readiness offerings and flexible curriculum are designed to build the competencies employers value most, like problem solving, teamwork, communication, and adaptability. These aren’t afterthoughts, they’re the core principles of how we teach.

The career exploration, personalized learning, and relevant challenges we provide help give our students the confidence they need to succeed in a world filled with technology and not fear being replaced by it. In addition, we provide students with capabilities that technology can’t replace, such as creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.

College & Career Readiness: Earn Experience and Digital Credentials

No matter what field a student wants to enter, Connections Academy can equip them with the skills and support they need to turn ambition into action.

While all Connections Academy schools help prepare students for a successful future, some have a College & Career Readiness program that helps in special ways. Check to see if your school participates.

Gain Experience in the Trades through Path2Pro

Eligible high school students enrolled in a Connections Academy-supported school have the opportunity to explore a career in the trades through the Path2Pro program. In collaboration with Home Depot, the Path2Pro program helps students find apprenticeships and other learning opportunities in construction, electrical, HVAC, and more.

Earn Digital Credentials Through Credly

Connections Academy students can earn verified, shareable digital credentials with Credly. These industry-recognized badges showcase their achievements and skills in Leadership, Communication and Collaboration, and Time Management to future employers or schools.

Build Practical Skills with Coursera

Many Connections Academy-supported schools provide the opportunity for high school students to earn entry-level professional certificates in a wide variety of subjects through our partnership with Coursera. These certificates, taught by leading experts working in companies like Google, Salesforce, IBM, and Meta include cybersecurity, data analytics, project management, digital marketing, and more.

Connections Academy: Leading the Way to a Successful Future

As our name implies, at Connections Academy, we develop connections—including those between students and best-in-class companies, organizations, and higher education institutions. Through these opportunities, students learn the skills they need to establish and grow connections with others and can begin to build their own professional network—all before graduation.

From career planning tools to virtual internships and real-world projects, we help students learn how to learn, think critically, and make meaningful decisions about their future. They don’t just hope they’re ready, they know they are.

Build Career Skills Online

Explore the Career Readiness offerings at Connections Academy to learn how we’re preparing students for their future, including strategic industry partnerships and career pathways in business, healthcare, and information technology.