Franklin College Connections
Since Franklin Academy began, students and their families have always asked, can we have MORE! Franklin College Connections was born to fill that space after graduation. We serve a range of post-graduates — both from Franklin and from other high schools. This holistic program bridges the gap, helping students with a variety of profiles find their way to success in higher education and beyond. Franklin College Connections serves academic stars headed to elite universities and students who aren’t certain if college is even for them. .
Why Choose a Post-Graduate Year?
For many students, the transition from high school to college or the workforce is not a straight line. It’s normal—and often beneficial—to take additional time to develop the skills and confidence needed for long-term success. This is especially true for neurodivergent students, who may require more time to hone their academic readiness, executive functioning, social abilities, and independent living skills.
Post-graduate (PG) years are not new. Traditionally, student-athletes have taken an extra year to refine their skills, grow physically and mentally, and find the right college fit. Neurodivergent students deserve the same opportunity—to develop their strengths, explore their options, and ensure they are truly prepared for the next stage of life.
Today, students have more transition options than ever before, including specialized gap year programs, certificate pathways, and targeted transition programs. However, a post-graduate year remains one of the most natural and supportive ways to bridge the gap between high school and post-secondary life. A PG year allows students to remain in a familiar environment with trusted faculty and staff while gradually increasing independence, taking academic and social risks, and developing essential life skills.
At Franklin College Connections, we recognize the importance of this scaffolded approach. Our post-graduate year program provides students with structured support while encouraging them to explore new environments and build the resilience needed for lifelong success. With the right balance of challenge and safety net, students leave their PG year confident, prepared, and ready to thrive in higher education or the workforce.
Our Approach to Transition Planning
At Franklin College Connections (FCC), we recognize that every student’s journey is different. Some of our students come from Franklin Academy, eager to continue honing their academic and life skills. Others are deferring traditional college enrollment to explore a boarding program before matriculating. Some are still determining what their next steps should look like. No matter the path that led you here, FCC’s student-centered approach ensures that your transition plan is as unique as you are.
Unlike other programs, FCC provides personalized transition planning designed to create an individualized roadmap for your post-graduate year. From day one, you and your family will work closely with our expert team to assess your educational history, clarify your goals, and chart a meaningful course forward. This culminates in a personal transition plan that focuses on:
- Academic & College Readiness – Together, we will identify specific academic objectives, work with our Associate Dean of College and Career Counseling to explore enrollment options and outline key strengths and growth areas to focus on in the classroom.
- Independent Living Development – Our team will guide you in establishing concrete plans for residence life, daily routines, self-care, social engagement, and emotional well-being, ensuring a strong foundation for independent success.
- Personalized Growth & Motivation – Understanding your aspirations is essential. Whether you want to strengthen executive functioning skills, explore social opportunities, or gain confidence in your academic abilities, we’ll help you define and achieve meaningful progress.
Your pre-program plan isn’t just a static document—it’s a living roadmap that evolves alongside you. Throughout the year, we continually assess and refine your plan based on your experiences, challenges, and newfound opportunities. Whether it’s trying out college coursework, engaging in social activities, or building essential life skills, we ensure that your transition is seamless and empowering.
At FCC, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We believe in your journey, your goals, and your success. Let’s build your future — together.
A New Way to College
At Franklin College Connections (FCC), we believe that the moment a student graduates high school and steps into a college environment, they are a college student—and they deserve the right support to thrive. For many neurodivergent students, the challenge isn’t just academics; it’s mastering the hidden curriculum of college life—self-advocacy, executive function, problem-solving, and balancing academic and social demands.
That’s where FCC changes the game. Unlike traditional gap-year or transition programs, we provide real college experiences with built-in support to help students bridge the gap between high school and a successful college career.
- Students take up to 15 college credits throughout the academic—the equivalent of a full semester—while developing the critical skills needed for independence:
- Navigating Accommodations – Understanding and advocating for support in a college setting
- Self-Monitoring & Study Strategies – Learning how to manage coursework proactively
- Problem-Solving & Adaptability – Building resilience when faced with challenges
- Academic & Social Balance – Managing the rigors of coursework alongside a fulfilling social life.
Through coursework at Middlesex Community College (off-campus) and a partnership with the University of Connecticut (on-campus), students earn college credit in a flexible, low-pressure setting, giving them a head start on their academic journey. By immersing them gradually and intentionally, students explore their interests, test their abilities, and develop the confidence to transition into a full-time, residential college experience.
FCC isn’t just about preparing for college—it’s about becoming a college student with the skills, experience, and mindset to succeed. Are you ready for a new way to college? Let’s build your future together.
Career Exploration & Preparation
The traditional path from high school to college is evolving, and at Franklin College Connections (FCC), we recognize that every student’s journey to success looks different. With the rising debate over the value of a four-year degree, more students—especially those with IEPs—are identifying technical training and hands-on work experience as key transitional goals after graduation. However, just like college, entering the workforce is a complex process that requires critical skill development in executive functioning, social interaction, and distress tolerance. That’s why FCC is committed to providing a scaffolded approach to career exploration, ensuring students build confidence and competence every step of the way.
All students at FCC engage in academic coursework, but for those interested in exploring career opportunities, we offer a structured, real-world approach to skill-building. Our internal Student Internship Program allows students to work in central offices on campus for 6-12 hours per week, gaining hands-on experience in workplace dynamics, problem-solving, task management, and sustaining focus for extended periods. As students build confidence and demonstrate readiness, they have the opportunity to increase their hours and transition to external internships, all with the guidance and support of their advisor.
Beyond internships, students can also enroll in technical or certificate programs. Through local partnerships—such as a rescue farm initiative—or coursework at Middlesex Community College, students can gain industry-specific skills that align with their interests and career aspirations. For those ready to take the next step, working part-time in one of our many locally owned businesses provides an additional layer of hands-on learning and professional development.
At FCC, career exploration is not just about finding a job—it’s about building a sustainable, independent future. Students work closely with their advisors to craft resumes, navigate the job application process, and develop the organizational strategies needed to balance work, academics, and personal responsibilities. With a supportive campus environment that helps students prioritize, plan their day, and adjust to new social and professional settings, we ensure that every graduate is prepared for long-term success—whether in the workforce, in college, or beyond.
Residential Life
At Franklin College Connections (FCC), residential life is more than just where you live—it’s where you grow, connect, and prepare for life beyond high school. Our unique housing model gives students a true taste of independent living while ensuring they have the structure and support they need to thrive. FCC students live in small, intentional houses that accommodate 4 to 12 post-graduate students—designed to foster independence while building community. Spread around the external part of our campus, these residences create a college-like living experience, where students share space, manage responsibilities, and practice the skills necessary for successful adulthood. While staff members live adjacent to all housing, students experience the realities of living with roommates or housemates, balancing personal space with communal living.
Residential life at FCC is structured for growth, helping students develop essential skills for independent living:
- Daily Living Mastery – Learning how to manage laundry, personal care, and home upkeep,
- Shared Responsibilities – Taking part in house maintenance and organizing “family meals,”
- Financial & Meal Planning – Budgeting for groceries, meal prepping, and cooking together, and
- Healthy Living Habits – Understanding nutrition, kitchen safety, and self-care
While all students have a meal plan, they also work alongside their advisors to grocery shop, budget, and prepare communal meals, developing critical skills in time management, nutrition, and teamwork—all within a supportive and structured framework. Life at FCC isn’t just about learning to live independently—it’s about immersing in the
community. As a post-graduate (PG) student, you still get to participate in all the best parts of student life including, playing on our varsity sports teams, acting in our fall play or spring musical, taking on leadership roles and mentor younger students, and engage in exclusive social
outings and weekend activities.
And because we believe in real-world independence, FCC students enjoy added college-style freedoms, including permission to have cars on campus and access to curated evening and weekend programming designed to balance structure with personal choice. At FCC, we understand that every student’s journey is different. That’s why each student’s experience is personalized—designed collaboratively with their advisor and family to ensure the right balance of freedom, support, and structure. This approach ensures students can adapt to new environments, build social connections, and practice self-care—all while enjoying the exciting freedoms of young adulthood. FCC isn’t just preparing students for college or the workforce—we’re preparing them for life.
Meet the Team
