Pearson's Energy-Sector Push Adds Workforce Edge to Virtual Schooling

Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) is one of the best EdTech Stocks to buy now.

On October 23, 2025, Pearson’s virtual-school network Connections Academy announced a partnership with the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) to steer students toward careers in the fast-growing U.S. energy sector. The collaboration plugs CEWD’s Energy Industry Fundamentals 2.0 curriculum, about 120 hours of online instruction with labs and interactive exercises, directly into Connections Academy’s college-and-career readiness track, with an industry-recognized credential available upon completion.

Pearson frames the move as career-connected learning: pairing coursework with mentorship and exposure to energy roles across fossil, nuclear, and renewables at a time when AI, data-center expansion, rising energy consumption, and onshoring are driving strong labor demand.

Executives from both sides pitched the tie-up as a way to close the “awareness gap” and build a future-ready pipeline of technicians, trades, and engineering talent. The program complements Connections Academy’s “tri-credit” model launched in 2023, which can award high-school credit, micro-credentials, and eligibility for college credit through partner institutions.

Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO)  is a global learning company spanning digital courseware, assessments, qualifications, and virtual schooling. Through Connections Academy, it serves U.S. K-12 students online, and more broadly operates across nearly 200 countries with roughly 18,000 employees focused on linking education to employability and lifelong learning.

While we acknowledge the potential of PSO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.

Disclosure: None.