What is the Connections Academy program?
Through partnership with Riipen, Utah Connections Academy is bringing real-world, project-based learning into the virtual classroom—connecting high school students with industry mentors, hands-on micro-internships, and in-demand career skills. This innovative program bridges the gap between education and employment, helping students graduate with confidence, clarity, and a competitive edge.
Who can participate as an employer?
Employers based in the US who are looking to access student support in emerging fields like Digital Marketing & Analysis, Healthcare Data Management and Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
What is the process for signing up as an employer?
If you are new to Riipen, create an account.
Complete the eligibility form
Apply for a portal pass.
Request an in-platform match with the program.
Kick-off with the participant team assigned for your project!
What kind of projects can be posted?
Employers can post projects where students can demonstrate their emerging skills and knowledge while learning from real world experience. Projects should meet entry level skill requirements across healthcare, technology, sustainability and conservation. Check out our website for more information.
What is the duration of the projects?
Each project must offer 40 hours of work over a 7 week period.
How many projects can I submit and how many students can I take on?
There’s no limit to how many projects an employer can submit to the Connections Academy program. The students will be assigned in teams of 2-3, directly to the project through the program. That being said, we ask that you be mindful of the amount of projects you submit to the program, to ensure you can dedicate appropriate time to each student.
What if my project requires more than 40 hours of work?
Projects are assigned teams of 2-3 students, which means your project should be able to be completed over 120 hours in total. If you think you will need more than this we recommend splitting the work and posting multiple projects to work with more than one Connections Academy team.
Can I bring my own students?
No, employers cannot bring their own students to the program, as all students need to come from Utah Connections Academy before entering the Riipen platform.
How many students will I be matched with?
You will be matched with 2-3 students per matched project.
What support is available for employers?
Riipen provides onboarding support for employers, and you will receive help throughout the project duration to ensure a smooth process.
Am I required to pay students?
No, there is no cost for employers. Participation is free. Students get experience while you benefit from their skills!