Utah Connections Academy Brings Together Online Students from Across the State for In‑Person Commencement Ceremony
While they completed their education online, graduates from across Utah celebrated in person at Utah Connections Academy’s commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 21 at the Salt Lake Community College Miller Campus. The statewide, tuition-free online public school for grades K-12 honored 91 graduates during the event. The ceremony also featured student and faculty speakers, special recognitions, and a slideshow celebrating each graduate’s achievements.
What’s Next for Utah Connections Academy High School Graduates?
“One of the most rewarding aspects of online education is seeing students succeed in ways that best meet their individual needs,” said Dr. Mollie McBroom, Utah Connections Academy’s school leader. “Bringing our graduates together in person to celebrate the Class of 2026 is a powerful reminder that while students learn virtually, they are also part of a strong and supportive statewide school community.”
Among Utah Connections Academy’s graduating class, 26 percent plan to attend two- or four-year colleges or universities, 15 percent plan to pursue vocational training, 13 percent plan to enter the workforce, and others plan to serve in the military or take a gap year. The graduates were collectively awarded more than $220,000 in scholarship funds.
Graduation Quotes from Utah Connections Academy
One member of Utah Connections Academy’s graduating class is Aroosh Kaleem of West Valley City, a National Merit Scholarship Finalist who has earned national academic recognition for her achievements in STEM and innovation. Aroosh, who has attended Utah Connections Academy since seventh grade, recently advanced to the Innovation Stage of the Conrad Challenge, an international entrepreneurship and problem-solving competition. As president of Utah Connections Academy’s SheTech Club and HOSA chapter, she has helped build community among students while completing advanced coursework in biology, chemistry and anatomy. This fall, she plans to attend the University of Utah as a biology major on the pre-med track with the goal of becoming a pediatrician.
“Utah Connections Academy gave me the flexibility to pursue my academic goals while also developing independence and time management skills,” said Aroosh. “Those experiences helped prepare me for college and my future career in medicine.”
About Utah Connections Academy
Utah Connections Academy serves more than 1,100 students statewide and provides students with a welcoming and distraction-free learning environment statewide. The school offers a comprehensive virtual school experience that keeps students motivated and engaged with a strong circle of support and a deep sense of belonging. Utah Connections Academy's team of supportive and experienced educators, specially trained in online instruction, establish meaningful connections with students, helping them achieve their full potential and reach their goals. Parents and caregivers are involved in the learning journey as their child's Learning Coach, serving as their mentor and guide throughout the school day.
Utah Connections Academy continues to prepare students for life after graduation through its established College and Career Readiness program. Available to middle and high school students, the program blends core academic coursework with industry aligned, career-focused pathways, including IT, business, health sciences, and marketing. Students also build durable skills such as leadership, critical thinking, and teamwork, while gaining access to career exploration and industry networking opportunities that help them build confidence, make connections, and clarify their future goals.
Virtual school is a great fit for a variety of students, and each student is unique. Utah Connections Academy students are diverse and come from different backgrounds and educational histories. Some students are academically advanced and struggle in a traditional school setting, while others prefer to learn at their own pace. Other students may be experiencing health challenges or bullying, while some are athletes or performers who require a flexible learning schedule.
Utah Connections Academy is a tuition-free, accredited online public school for K-12 students across the state. True to our name, we believe meaningful connections drive better academic outcomes, so we build a strong circle of support that unites students, families, and educators. We create a high-quality educational experience that helps keep students engaged in a safe learning environment. Beyond academics, our teachers focus on building fundamental life skills, partnering with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills needed to thrive in the real world by becoming resourceful and resilient.
Enrollment is currently open for the 2026-27 school year. Families interested in Utah 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. To learn more about the school or to begin the enrollment process, please call 833-591-0251.