In education, staying still is equivalent to moving backwards. Our world is changing far too quickly, and the traditional educational models just aren’t always sufficient in preparing students for the challenges they’ll face after graduation.
With 25 years in public education in a variety of roles, I’ve seen the frustration of students who complete high school unsure if college is the right fit—or even if they’re ready to enter the workforce.
That’s why we developed the College and Career Accelerator program, also known as CCA. Our goal is simple: provide students with opportunities to earn college credits, certificates and associate degrees, gain industry-recognized credentials, and build real-world experience while they’re still in high school. It’s about preparing them for life, whether they choose to pursue higher education, enter the workforce or both. The CCA is a bridge between high school and the future, and it’s designed to give students the head start they deserve.
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I’ve always believed in the power of collaboration. What makes CCA so effective is its partnerships—whether it’s with local colleges, industry leaders or K12 school districts. Students are still connected to their home high schools, but they’re also stepping into environments that provide advanced coursework, hands-on experience and access to the resources they need to succeed in fields like engineering and education. By the 2025-2026 school year, we’re planning to expand into pathways for medical and public safety careers, providing even more options for students to explore.
This isn’t a theoretical exercise. I saw it in action when I led the Hamden Engineering Careers Academy, where students graduated not only with a high school diploma but with an associate degree in engineering. The results were incredible—many of our students entered the workforce immediately with high-paying jobs, while others went on to top universities, far more prepared than their peers. It showed me the potential of blending high school and higher education in a way that’s practical and impactful.
The first cohort of 70 students in CCA has exceeded our expectations. These students are learning real-world skills—like precision engineering and computer assisted designing—that they can apply directly in the job market or continue building on in higher education. And it’s not just about the students—it’s about their families, communities and local economies that benefit from a more skilled, better-prepared workforce.
Power of community-focused education
But this isn’t just about Connecticut or CCA. These kinds of models are emerging across the country and they’re reshaping the landscape of education. A colleague and close collaborator of mine, Matthew Wright at Adelphi University, who is the author of “Sustaining Colleges and Universities through Community,” has talked about the need for colleges and high schools to work more closely together to meet the needs of both students and local economies.
He points to examples like Ivy Tech in Indiana and Central Community College in Nebraska, where high schools and community colleges are developing curricula tailored to local industry needs. His work in higher education and community-building highlights the growing recognition that these partnerships are key to student success.
Matthew and I both share a belief in the power of community-focused education. His experience at Adelphi University and his writing on how colleges can sustain themselves through deeper connections to their local communities echo what we’re doing here at CCA. Our students don’t just benefit academically—they gain skills that are directly relevant to the workforce. That’s the future of education, and it’s something I’m proud to be a part of.
In a world where nearly 40% of students who start college don’t finish within six years, and where STEM majors are dropping out at alarming rates, we need solutions that make education work for students. Solutions that include remedial instruction are mistaken. Rather, we need to challenge learners in a highly supportive environment. We need to ensure that whether a student decides to pursue a career straight out of high school or continue their academic journey, they’re equipped with the knowledge and skills to not only survive, but to thrive.
The world is moving quickly, and education needs to keep pace. Programs need to provide students with options—whether that means jumping straight into a high-paying job or heading to college with a strong foundation. Either way, they’re more prepared, more confident and more ready for the challenges ahead.
