Franklin College Connections
Franklin College Connections
Build the skills for your next step.
The next chapter after high school brings new opportunities to explore your interests, experience college, and take greater ownership of everyday life.
Franklin College Connections (FCC) is a post-graduate program for boarding and day students designed to build the skills and experience needed to move toward college and greater independence. Open to graduates of Franklin Academy and other high schools, FCC combines college coursework, individualized academic support, and opportunities to practice the responsibilities of young adulthood.
An individualized path forward
Some students spend one year at FCC before moving on to college, while others build on their progress through a second year with a more college-focused schedule and increased independence.
Students, families, and the FCC team work together to identify goals and assess progress and those conversations guide each student’s coursework, support, and next steps.
Explore FCC at our Virtual Information Session
Learn more about our Year 1 and Year 2 paths, Summer Orientation and how individualized support helps students prepare for college and greater independence.
Wednesday, December 9 | 5:00 PM ET
Year 1: Build your foundation
Experience college learning while developing the skills to manage its expectations.
Year 1 combines college coursework with focused preparation in reading, writing, and math. Students build academic routines, explore their interests, and practice balancing coursework with residential and social life.
Your Year 1 experience
- College coursework: Take up to 15 credits in college classes as part of an individualized academic plan.
- Pre-college skill development: Strengthen reading, writing, and math skills that support college-level learning.
- High-interest electives: Explore subjects that spark curiosity and build on your strengths.
- Athletics and belonging: Participate in Franklin Academy sports teams and stay connected through shared interests.
- Independence in practice: Develop strategies for managing assignments, organizing your time, and following through on daily responsibilities.
Planning what comes next
By mid-November, assessments help the FCC team, students, and families evaluate progress and plan ahead. Some students begin moving toward a more demanding college schedule, while others identify goals for continued growth through a second year of FCC.
Your next step is shaped by your progress, goals, and the support that will help you move forward.
Year 2: Build on your progress
Take on a more college-focused schedule while practicing greater independence in how you learn, live, and contribute.
Year 2 gives students additional time to apply their skills in a setting with increased personal responsibility. The academic focus shifts toward general education coursework, while daily life includes more opportunities to make choices, manage time, and contribute to the community.
Your Year 2 experience
- General education coursework: Focus on college classes that support your academic direction and future plans.
- A college-focused schedule: Move beyond Franklin’s classes, with college course options considered through individualized planning.
- More self-directed time: Practice deciding how to use time outside scheduled commitments while balancing coursework, personal needs, and social opportunities.
- Community contribution: Build responsibility and workplace skills through an on-campus internship.
- Continued guidance: Work with the FCC team to strengthen self-advocacy, academic habits, and independent living skills.
Looking ahead
By mid-November, assessments help students, families, and the FCC team review progress and begin planning for life beyond FCC. Together, they consider college options and the support that may help students carry their progress into a new
environment.
FCC Summer Orientation
Start building your college experience before fall.
June 27–July 9 | Morning orientation: 9:00 a.m.–noon
$5,100 for the two-week experience
FCC Summer Orientation gives students time to connect with peers and staff, become familiar with college expectations, and help shape their support plans before the fall semester begins.
Through guided practice and reflection, students explore how they learn, what helps them stay organized, and how to access support. They take an active role in building the tools and routines that support greater independence.
Prepare for your fall coursework
- Academic placement: Complete the Accuplacer in math and, if needed, English to identify an appropriate starting point for college coursework.
- Advising and course selection: Work with FCC and CT State advisors to select fall courses that reflect your interests, goals, strengths, and readiness.
- College accommodations: Receive guidance gathering documentation, submitting requests, and understanding how to access and use approved accommodations.
- Campus familiarity: Practice navigating CT State Middlesex, locating classrooms, and finding campus resources.
Build your approach to college life
- Connection and belonging: Get to know your FCC cohort and staff through shared experiences.
- Executive functioning: Develop individualized strategies for managing time, organizing materials, starting tasks, and following through.
- Self-awareness and self-regulation: Recognize your strengths and support needs, and practice strategies for managing stress, taking breaks, and re-engaging.
- Problem-solving and self-advocacy: Practice checking your progress, adjusting strategies, asking questions, and reaching out for support.
Connect beyond the classroom
Morning orientation is part of a broader summer experience. FCC students also have access to Summer at Franklin’s evening and weekend programming, with opportunities to build friendships, explore interests, and enjoy time together.
Independence, practiced every day
Living away from home means making decisions, managing responsibilities, and learning how to share space with others. At FCC, students practice these skills as part of everyday life, with guidance as they take on greater ownership.
Build routines that work for you
- Shared living: Navigate relationships with housemates, care for personal space, and contribute to a shared home.
- Daily responsibilities: Develop routines for laundry, personal care, organization, and household upkeep.
- Meals and budgeting: Practice planning meals, shopping for groceries, managing a budget, and preparing food.
- Time management: Balance academic commitments, social plans, personal interests, and downtime.
- Self-advocacy: Recognize when you need support and practice asking for it.
As students develop their skills, the FCC team helps them take on greater responsibility. The focus is on building habits and strategies students can use in college and adult life.
Find connection. Explore your direction.
Your FCC experience includes opportunities to build friendships, pursue interests, and discover how your strengths can translate into future possibilities.
Be part of a community
Shared meals, FCC gatherings, campus activities, and evening and weekend outings give students opportunities to connect. Students practice making plans, navigating social situations, and contributing to the communities around them.
Campus involvement is shaped by each student’s program year and individualized plan.
Put your interests into practice
Career exploration helps students learn about themselves through experience. On-campus internships offer opportunities to practice workplace communication, task management, collaboration, and follow-through.
Students work with the FCC team to connect their interests with possible college and career directions. In Year 2, an on-campus internship provides a way to take on responsibility and contribute to the Franklin community.
Meet the Team
The FCC team works with students and families to connect academic goals, daily living, and plans for the future. Through individualized guidance and ongoing assessments, staff help students recognize their progress and identify what comes next.
Director
Academic Advisor & College Counselor
Student Life Advisor
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is FCC designed for?
FCC serves neurodivergent high school graduates who want to experience college coursework while building academic skills, independence, and confidence. Students may have a college destination in mind or be exploring which direction fits their interests and goals.
Do students have to graduate from Franklin Academy to attend?
No. FCC welcomes graduates of Franklin Academy and other high schools.
Does every student attend FCC for two years?
No. Some students spend one year at FCC before transitioning to college. Others benefit from a second year with a more college-focused schedule and additional opportunities to practice independence. Assessment and individualized planning help guide that decision.
How are Year 1 and Year 2 different?
Year 1 combines college coursework with pre-college skill development, high-interest electives, and opportunities to participate in Franklin Academy athletics.
Year 2 emphasizes general education coursework, more self-directed time, and community contribution through an on-campus internship. Students move beyond Franklin’s classes toward a college-focused academic schedule.
How do you determine a student’s next step?
Students, families, and the FCC team review goals and progress together. By mid-November, assessments help guide planning for academic expectations, continued participation in FCC, and the transition to college.
Can students earn college credit?
Yes. College coursework is part of the FCC experience. Course selection and credit load are determined through individualized academic planning. Families should discuss credit transfer requirements with any college the student plans to attend.
What is FCC Summer Orientation?
FCC Summer Orientation is a two-week experience that helps students prepare for fall college coursework and life in the FCC community. Students participate in academic placement, course selection, accommodations planning, campus navigation, and individualized skill development while building relationships with peers and staff.
When does orientation take place?
FCC Summer Orientation runs June 27–July 9, with morning orientation from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Students also have access to Summer at Franklin’s evening and weekend programming.
How much does orientation cost?
The two-week experience costs $5,100.
Is orientation required?
Contact Admissions to discuss participation expectations and how orientation fits into your student’s FCC plan.
How do we get started?
Contact Admissions to discuss your student’s interests, goals, and educational experience. The team can answer questions, explain the application process, and help you explore whether FCC is a good fit.
FCC Pathway Scholarship
Franklin College Connections offers a Pathway Scholarship for eligible students from ALDS schools.
Connect with Admissions to learn whether your school qualifies and discuss scholarship opportunities for your student.
Let’s talk about your next step
Have questions about FCC or which experience may fit your student?
Connect with Admissions to explore the program and discuss your goals.
Email us at ad*******@***ct.org or call 860-873-2700 ext. 1114
