CHARACTER EDUCATION

Building Connections That Shape Leaders.

A strengths-based initiative that equips young people with the character, confidence, and leadership skills they need to thrive in school, relationships, and community.

Reaching students in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Launched in 2008, the program serves all 21 Allentown schools—spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels—and aligns with Pennsylvania educational standards.

  • Develop character and leadership skills in youth
  • Promote critical thinking and accountability
  • Reframe behaviors and encourage positive choices

Curriculum Format

1

The Question

A thought-provoking, personal reflection prompt that helps students identify a real-life issue or internal conflict related to the lesson’s theme. It’s designed to spark curiosity and prepare students for deeper discussion.

2

The Struggle

A space for vulnerability and honest dialogue. This section encourages students (and facilitators) to share real-life experiences and challenges related to the topic, helping to normalize struggle and create a safe, supportive environment.

3

The Real Deal

A grounding moment that reveals truth, wisdom, or a key principle the lesson aims to teach. It may include quotes, journaling, self-assessment, or an anchor activity that connects the lesson to everyday life in a meaningful way.

4

Now What

A call to action for self-reflection and personal growth. Students consider how the lesson applies to their own lives and begin identifying ways to live out what they’ve learned in real situations, often through journaling or a reflection exercise.

5

It’s On

The commitment phase. Students articulate a specific step they will take based on the lesson. It often includes goal setting, affirmations, or journaling in their Dream Map Journal to internalize the lesson and track their growth.

Rooted in Standards.

Designed for Growth.

Aligned with Pennsylvania’s Career Education and Work Standards, our character curriculum seamlessly integrates into academic frameworks to support student development from elementary through high school.

Career Education and Work

3.1.11.A: Relate careers to individual interests, abilities, and aptitudes.
13.1.11.B: Analyze career options based on personal interests, abilities, aptitudes, achievements, and goals.
13.1.11.C: Analyze how the changing roles of individuals in the workplace relate to new opportunities within career choices.
13.1.11.F: Analyze the relationship between career choices and career preparation opportunities.
13.2.11.A: Apply effective speaking and listening skills used in a job interview.
13.3.11.A: Evaluate personal attitudes and work habits that support career retention and advancement.
13.3.11.C: Evaluate conflict resolution skills as they relate to the workplace.
13.3.11.F: Evaluate strategies for career retention and advancement in the changing global workplace.

Career Awareness and Preparation (3rd Grade)

13.1.3.A: Recognize that individuals have unique interests.
13.1.3.B: Identify current personal interests.
13.1.3.C: Recognize the constantly changing roles of individuals at home, in the workplace, and the community.
13.1.3.F: Explain how people prepare for careers.
13.1.3.G: Explain why education and training plans are important for careers.

Career Acquisition and Retention

13.2.3.A: Identify appropriate speaking and listening techniques used in conversation.
13.2.3.C: Compose a personal letter.
13.2.3.D: Identify the importance of developing a plan for the future.
13.2.3.E: Discuss the importance of essential workplace skills, such as dependability, health/safety, team building, and technology.

Career Retention and Advancement

13.3.3.C: Explain effective group interaction terms.
13.3.3.F: Identify the changes in family and friends’ roles at home, at school, and in the community.

Entrepreneurship

13.4.3.B: Describe the character traits of successful entrepreneurs, such as adaptability, creative thinking, ethical behavior, leadership, positive attitude, and risk-taking.
13.4.3.C: Describe age-appropriate entrepreneurial opportunities.

Ready to Build Stronger Students?

Bring the Connections Character Education Program to your school and equip students with the tools they need to grow in character, confidence, and community.

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