STEAM and career-focused online school's newly expanded career courses, pathways and partnerships promote both college and career readiness
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- More than 600 Indiana students started the new school year at Indiana Connections Career Academy, a tuition-free full-time public virtual school serving students statewide in grades 6-12. Indiana Connections Career Academy provides students a safe, engaging environment that offers STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) and career-focused courses to offer specific skill development and career exposure.
Building on an already robust career program, Indiana Connections Career Academy has expanded its courses and career offerings to include Information Technology (IT) and Business for the 2023-24 school year. Students will work with a Career Coach who will help guide and support them through interactions with college and industry partners/mentors, keep them on track to earn certifications and dual credit and help them update their portfolios in preparation for life after high school. New digital tools will include a career portal and career assessments to identify student interests and facilitate exploration.
"At the end of one of our pathways, students may be prepared to earn a certificate or credential, which will help prepare them for an apprenticeship or employment after high school. In some cases, colleges award credit for industry credentials earned," said Indiana Connections Career Academy Executive Director Kelly Simone. "No matter your student's post-graduation plans, completing the career offerings at Indiana Connections Career Academy can help prepare them for a bright future."
High school students will also have free access to Credly, an industry-recognized company that awards verified, shareable digital credentials recognized by many employers, to help them enhance their career options. Indiana Connections Career Academy students who complete qualifying courses with a passing grade or who participate in certain college- and career-related activities will earn Credly digital badges.
"Students can earn a badge for many different things, from many different organizations," said Simone. "Badges issued by Credly and Connections Academy are valuable because they represent achievements recognized by colleges and employers. Badges managed through Credly will help Indiana Connections Career Academy students build a portfolio that showcases their accomplishments and hard work."
Students are returning to school shortly after the release of the 2022-23 Parent Satisfaction Survey, an annual third-party survey that provides families with the opportunity to review their experience at Indiana Connections Career Academy. According to the survey results:
- 99 percent of parents are satisfied with the helpfulness of their child's Connections Academy teachers
- 97 percent of parents agree the curriculum is high quality
- 96 percent of parents say the Connections Academy program gives them greater opportunity to be more involved with their child's education
- 96 percent of parents say their child is satisfied learning at Indiana Connections Career Academy
In its seventh year of operation, Indiana Connections Career Academy offers many activities throughout the course of the year to help build community and relationships, including numerous field trips, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and prom.
Indiana Connections Career Academy also offers many course options for students, including core classes in math, science, language arts and social studies; extensive electives including foreign languages, digital technology and career technical courses, as well as honors courses. The school also offers a broad assortment of online clubs, ranging from robotics and gaming to poetry and art.
Enrollment for Indiana Connections Career Academy's 2023 - 2024 school year is still open for students in grades 6-12. Interested families are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming online information sessions to find out if virtual school is the right fit for their students. For more information about Indiana Connections Career Academy or to begin the enrollment process, visit http://www.IndianaConnectionsCareerAcademy.com.
About Indiana Connections Career Academy
Indiana Connections Career Academy is a unique, tuition-free, online public school with a special emphasis on career readiness for students in grades 6-12. Authorized by Ball State University, 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 emotional well-being and social development, 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 http://www.IndianaConnectionsCareerAcademy.com.
Survey methodology
Connections Academy conducts the annual Parent Satisfaction Survey to find out how parents, guardians and Learning Coaches grade the program in several key areas. The 2023 survey was conducted from January 17 to March 3 by Shapiro + Raj, an independent market research company that created the questionnaire, collected the data and tabulated the results. Parents and caretakers of all students enrolled at the time of the survey were invited to complete the survey online. An invitation was sent to each parent and caretaker, and one response per household was submitted.
Media Contact
Susan Decker, Connections Academy, 317.400.1983, Susan@SusanDeckerMedia.com, https://www.connectionsacademy.com/indiana-virtual-school/
SOURCE Connections Academy
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