By Catherine Bowring, Director of Student Services and Special Education
One of the most important things we can do as a school district is to prepare students not only for graduation, but for the life that comes after it. Juab School District's Connections Academy is helping us do exactly that.
Connections Academy is part of Juab High School under the supervision of Tami Hoopes. The academy serves young adults ages 18-22 with a primary goal of bridging the gap between high school education and the real world. Through individualized experiences and instruction, students develop the essential independent living, social, and vocational skills they need to build meaningful and increasingly independent futures.
What makes this program especially exciting is that learning doesn't stop at the classroom door. Connections Academy takes learning beyond the walls of JHS by building meaningful partnerships with local businesses throughout our community.
I recently had the privilege of attending a presentation by our Connections Academy students to the Nephi City Mayor, Justin Seely. Each student introduced themselves and shared a presentation slide highlighting their interests, strengths, and goals. It was a wonderful opportunity to see our students advocate for themselves and for their program.
Their message to the mayor was simple but important: Help us build awareness and connections within our community.
The students shared their desire to develop partnerships with local businesses that can provide opportunities for them to participate in structured workplace tasks. These partnerships give students the chance to experience authentic workplace environments while developing skills, discovering their strengths, exploring potential career paths, and building confidence.
Just as importantly, these experiences help our students develop a greater sense of civic belonging. They have an opportunity to see themselves not simply as students preparing for life after school, but as contributing members of our community.
That is where our community can make a tremendous difference.
We invite local businesses and community partners to consider opening their doors to our Post High School Connections Academy students. A partnership does not have to be complicated. Providing students with meaningful, structured opportunities to learn about your workplace and assist with appropriate tasks can have a lasting impact on their transition to adulthood.
When schools, families, businesses, and communities work together, we create something much bigger than a program. We create pathways to independence, purpose, belonging, and a future where every student has an opportunity to contribute.
I am incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of Mrs. Hoopes and her staff. Their commitment goes far beyond teaching skills. They are creating meaningful experiences, building community connections, and helping our young adults recognize their own strengths and potential. I appreciate the care, creativity, and belief in students that they bring to this important work, and I am excited to see the opportunities they continue to create for our students.
To learn more about Connections Academy or exploring becoming a community business partner, please contact Tami Hoopes at tami.hoopes@juabsd.org
#JuabProud
Catherine Bowring | Director of Student Services and Special Education | Juab School District