Juab School District's Connections Academy is working to bridge the gap between high school and adulthood through student partnerships, according to a September 30 statement. The program focuses on helping young adults develop the essential social, vocational, and independent living skills required for life after graduation.
Connections Academy is part of Juab High School and operates under the supervision of Tami Hoopes. The academy serves young adults between the ages of 18 and 22 with the primary goal of transitioning students into the real world through individualized instruction and experiences.
Students recently presented their interests, strengths, and goals to Nephi City Mayor Justin Seely. During the presentation, students advocated for their program by requesting that the community help build awareness and connections. They expressed a desire to develop partnerships with local businesses to participate in structured workplace tasks, allowing them to experience authentic environments and explore potential career paths.
Catherine Bowring, the Director of Student Services and Special Education, noted that these community experiences help students develop a sense of civic belonging. By participating in local workplaces, students can see themselves as contributing members of the community rather than just students preparing for the future.
The Juab School District invites local businesses to consider opening their doors to Connections Academy students to provide meaningful learning opportunities. For those interested in becoming a community business partner, Tami Hoopes can be reached at tami.hoopes@juabsd.org.