Our Model

CCA’s design rests on three interconnected components - Dual Credit, Pathways, and Experiential Learning - that together form a sturdy foundation for student success.

1. Dual Credit

CCA students earn college credentials for high school coursework, allowing them to save money, reduce time to degree, and strengthen college readiness. Recent national data from NACEP and AACRAO1 confirms the value of dual enrollment:

95% of institutions agree it improves access to postsecondary courses
93% say it enhances college affordability
90% report it expands curriculum access for high school learners
85% agree it demonstrates college readiness
81% view it as expanding their prospective learner pool
71% say it improves career options for students

With nearly every U.S. college now recognizing dual enrollment credit, CCA ensures our students enter higher education with momentum and confidence.

2. Pathways

Our courses are connected, stackable, and sequential, enabling students to earn Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs), college certificates, and even associate degrees while still in high school.

Industry Credentials: CCA collaborates closely with the Connecticut State Department of Education’s IRC Advisory Committee to embed recognized, employer-valued credentials directly into programs.
College Partnerships: Our partnership with CT State Northwestern (and now Naugatuck Valley) ensures CCA students have clear, aligned access to college coursework and degrees.
Associate Degree Planning: CCA conducts “gap analyses” with partner schools to align high school curricula with college degree requirements - identifying where upskilling, shared instruction, or new scheduling structures can open doors to associate degree completion

Why it matters:

In Connecticut, only 65% of 4-year college students and 40% of 2-year college students graduate within six years.
Access to college coursework and degrees while in high school changes that trajectory - dramatically.
Student direct access to pathways, IRCs, Certificates and careers decreases the reliance on traditional higher education as a gateway to middle class opportunity.

3. Experiential Learning

We’ve reimagined experiential learning to meet the developmental needs of students and give them the space to grow through real-world engagement. Our model centers on six key attributes:

Self-Awareness & Career Identity – Exploring strengths, values, and interests.
Decision-Making & Goal Setting – Building plans aligned with personal and labor market goals.
Digital & Technical Literacy – Mastering tools and technologies of modern work.
Applied Learning & Problem Solving – Translating knowledge into real-world contexts.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills – Strengthening collaboration and professional communication.
Workplace Habits & Resilience – Developing adaptability, reliability, and persistence.

Students experience these skills through:

Classroom instruction
RLC-based enrichment
Guest speakers and community activities
Mentorship and applied learning projects

Each student is evaluated through self, professional, and advisor assessments - ensuring growth is measurable and meaningful.

Our Impact

CCA’s integrated model - dual credit, pathways, and experiential learning - forms an extraordinary foundation for access and readiness. Through partnerships with CT State, UConn, industry, and local districts, we’re redefining what it means to be college - and career -ready in Connecticut.

1.NACEP and AACRAO: The National Alliance for Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, respectively.