Student 5.0 » ReadyCT

Student 5.0: A Career Launch Program

Connecting high school seniors to job opportunities

Class of ’26 high school grads are thinking about their futures. And, there’s a lot to think about . . .

What will happen next?

Straight to career? If so, what career?
What learning and skills are needed for success after high school?
Is college necessary? 2-year program? 4-year?
Apprenticeship? Military?
Something else?

Seniors can get answers to these questions with Student 5.0 — a no-cost program.

Seniors: Your Career Launch Starts Here! Employers: Include Student 5.0 as Part of Your Talent Acquisition Strategy

Who is eligible for Student 5.0?

Seniors attending public high school in Greater Hartford/East Hartford and New Britain/Bristol, Middletown, and Manchester can enroll in Student 5.0.

How does Student 5.0 work?

Every Student 5.0 participant is matched to a career launch coordinator (CLC) who will spend time learning each participant’s interests and skills. Working together, they create a career launch plan, and the CLC will offer ongoing coaching support and guidance to better ensure that the plan is successfully executed!

Special Note About Student 5.0 Career Launch Coordinators: Student 5.0 CLCs are a unique group of people who often have shared experiences and backgrounds with the students they support. They have a proven track record of helping participants break down barriers and access the resources needed so that every participant can reach their goals!

They’ll help you do that, too.

Program Reviews

Above: East Hartford Mayor Connor Martin (center) looks on as East Hartford Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Anderson (left) congratulates Daworin Harding (right), a Student 5.0 participant from East Hartford High School. Harding received a $1,000 VRSim scholarship to support his continued trade career learning.

Once connected to Student 5.0, participants will receive:

Industry Connections

Site Visits
Informational Interviews
Job Shadows
Industry Training

Career Launch Planning

12 Career Readiness Workshops
Interview Practice and Preparation
1:1 Coaching
Industry-Recognized Credentials

Student 5.0 program participants decide and plan for what comes next based on what they want to do — their skills, their interests, and their aspirations.

Student 5.0 program participants aren’t told what their futures will be.

They design them.

What Are Teachers, Parents, Participants, and Employers Saying About Student 5.0?

I am so proud of my son. He is doing very well. I am grateful to the Student 5.0 team for staying in touch, providing guidance, and cheering him on, even after he graduated. This program offers students the support they need for their post-secondary success.

Ms. Edith, Parent of a Class of ‘22 Program Participant

I can’t be any more grateful for the opportunities Student 5.0 has been providing for me. Before this program, I don’t think I would have had the time or the resources to participate in any of these career-connected trainings. All the skills I’ve gained make me feel more comfortable that I have my CLC supporting me on the journey.

Francheska Garcia, Middletown HS ’24

Synergy students attend our school because they have been disengaged from school for a long time. Student 5.0 has helped them to become career ready and to become more confident in who they are. In turn, Synergy students are beginning to lead themselves to success!

Jen Rottler, Teacher at Synergy HS

Steph has been an absolute gift to us. Since the beginning of the internship, she’s been highly responsible and dependable. She has grown in her communication skills and is always willing to tackle any project. We plan to bring her back over the summer to lead nature crafting workshops for youth and support our garden and exhibit work.

Dr. Tami Christopher, Executive Director, New Britain Youth Museum

We’re so grateful for Student 5.0 and the work being done to support high school students to become productive employees. It’s also a benefit that the students are being set up for success with local CT companies. We’re proud to be involved with Student 5.0 and look forward to mentoring and hiring more participants.

Karen Wetherell, Dir. of Human Resources, Global Help Desk Services