Prepare for High-Growth Careers Before Graduation
GradRise is a FREE, 10-week virtual workforce readiness program for Connecticut students in 11th and 12th grade, designed to equip young people with industry-recognized credentials, mentorship, and career-ready skills aligned with today’s evolving labor market.
Buil;t for
STUDENTS
& PARENTS
SCHOOLS
FUNDERS
CORPORATE PARTNERS
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Free to participate • Virtual • Open to CT 11th–12th graders
Earn a Credential Employers Actually Value
WHY GRADRISE?
& Why Now
The future of work is changing faster than ever.
By 2030, more than 70% of jobs will require digital and technical skills, yet many students graduate high school without access to credentials, career exposure, or workforce-aligned training.
Industry-recognized certificates can increase early-career earnings by 20–30%, especially in IT and technology-adjacent roles.
Students from historically resilient communities are far less likely to have access to early credentialing opportunities—before college.
GradRise exists to close this gap.
By offering credential-based workforce preparation before graduation, GradRise helps students build confidence, clarity, and competitive advantage—without cost to families.
WHAT IS GRADRISE?
GradRise is a FREE, 10-week virtual workforce preparation program for Connecticut high school juniors and seniors that prepares students for the future of work before graduation.
Through GradRise, students will:
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Earn an industry-recognized Google IT Support Professional Certificate
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Explore careers in high-growth industries in the tech space
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Learn how technology connects to real-world jobs and opportunities
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Build professional skills that translate beyond the classroom
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Engage with mentors and industry professionals
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Gain confidence, clarity, and career direction
Future cohorts will expand to include pathways such as cybersecurity, aligned with workforce demand.
Free to participate • Virtual • Open to CT 11th–12th graders