Charles Town, WV – July 17, 2019 – International Connections Academy (iNaCA), a U.S.-based accredited virtual private school, and American Public University System (APUS), a leading accredited online university, today announced a new program that will enable iNaCA upper school students to earn APUS online certificates in three career-focused pathways beginning in the 2019-20 school year.
Through this program, which builds on an existing, decade-long partnership, International Connections Academy students can enroll in APUS certificate programs in the areas of visual communications, real estate management and homeland security. In addition to in-depth career exploration, students can earn 18 college credits and an industry certificate in one of the three career pathways while still in high school. College credits will also meet iNaCA graduation requirements.
“Partnering with APUS to offer these programs gives our students a unique opportunity to enroll in a career-focused, high-quality college preparatory program,” said Hannah Rinehart, School Director for International Connections Academy. “This partnership helps ready students for higher education and provides a versatile pathway to sustainable careers. We’re proud to work with APUS and provide high-quality and relevant distance learning to help meet the evolving needs of our students.”
APU online certificate programs are ideal for students seeking a short program focused on career development or knowledge of a specific discipline. Certificates range from 18-27 semester hours (about 6-9 courses), and some earned credits may later be applied to an associate, bachelor’s, or master's degree, according to APUS Provost Dr. Vernon Smith.
“Promoting lifelong learning to successfully pursue a chosen career and be tomorrow’s leaders is central to our mission,” said Dr. Smith. “Through this partnership with International Connections Academy, we can help students accelerate reaching their education and career goals in an even more flexible and affordable manner.”
The APUS partnership offers International Connections Academy students an opportunity for deeper exposure to some of the most popular careers explored in existing career technical education (CTE) courses, according to Rinehart.
International Connections Academy currently serves more than 1,000 students around the world who learn from home or anywhere there is an internet connection. Certified teachers and supportive counselors provide students with one-on-one attention and guidance from enrollment to the college application process, leading to acceptances at many exceptional schools. Students may tailor their schedules to accommodate exam preparation and extracurricular activities, and take advantage of innovative electives and programs including Career Technical Education courses ranging from Digital Photography to Criminal Investigation, world languages and AP courses.
Students interested in enrolling in an APUS online certificate program must be enrolled with International Connections Academy for the 2019-20 school year, must have satisfactorily completed specific course requirements and speak with their counselor to discuss readiness for the course load. More details may be found online at https://www.amu.apus.edu/online-certificate-programs/
Enrollment for the 2019-20 school year is currently open, and families can learn more about the International Connections Academy program by attending a virtual information session.
About International Connections Academy
International Connections Academy (iNaCA) is an accredited, online private school serving students in grades K–12 throughout the United States and abroad. Recognizing individualized instruction as the key to student academic and personal success, iNaCA's highly trained, certified teachers offer instruction tailored to each student's strengths and challenges using an award-winning computer-based curriculum, real-time instruction, and time-tested course materials from leading publishers. In 2019, iNaCA served students in the US and 57 countries. International Connections Academy is part of the global learning company Pearson. For more information, visit http://www.InternationalConnectionsAcademy.com.
