Imagine if you, as a 15-year-old, won the lottery and could find out what your natural abilities really are? This is what an aptitude test shows young people. Brooker Memorial is excited to provide an opportunity to offer these tests in collaboration with the Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation, designed for area high school students completing their sophomore or junior year.
The Pathway to Success program offers students a unique chance to uncover career paths that align with their natural abilities. Through a full-day aptitude assessment provided by the Johnson O’Connor, students can explore career options that resonate with how they naturally think and work.
The Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation, a trusted non-profit, has helped countless individuals discover their true potential and pursue careers that feel meaningful and fulfilling. We’re proud to partner with them to offer this experience to our community’s youth.
Brooker Memorial is hosting a digital pilot starting in January 2026. Testing will be arranged for groups of 12 students. Please rank your preferred dates in the online application.
The Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation, a trusted non-profit, has helped countless individuals discover their true potential and pursue careers that feel meaningful and fulfilling. We’re proud to partner with them to offer this experience to our community’s youth.
Each year, Brooker Memorial selects 15 students for both the Spring and Fall sessions to travel to Boston for an immersive, day-long series of aptitude tests.
Brooker Memorial is proud to invest in your future by sponsoring $500 for each student’s aptitude test.
Your Cost? Just $25
Thanks to Brooker Memorial’s support, students pay only a $25 fee. Scholarships are available for students facing financial hardship.
Limited spots available, sign up today!
Take the first step toward discovering a fulfilling career path.
Applicants Must:
Be at least a Sophomore or Junior in high school
Be prepared for focused testing sessions, broken into two segments of approximately 2-3 hours each
Fill out the application with complete sentences
Attend testing results session virtually on zoom (parents are strongly encouraged to attend)
Participate in the annual Pathway Career Expo
Participate in follow up career exploration activities & opportunities
The day will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Brooker Memorial’s facility, 157 Litchfield Street, Torrington, CT.
After arrival at Brooker, participants will have focused testing sessions, broken into two segments of approximately 2-3 hours each.
A test administrator from Johnson O’Connor will guide students through a variety of computer assessments designed to reveal their innate talents. There are also a few hands-on assessments that will be administered individually on breaks or over lunch.
Testing includes several activities (puzzles, memorization, word association) and several computerized sections.
After the morning testing, students will break for lunch (please bring your own packed lunch).
We aim to have the testing completed by 2:30 p.m., so that high school students can attend athletic practices at their school.
One to two weeks after your testing date, you will need to meet with a representative from Johnson O’Connor in a virtual session to go over the testing results. This is where a student learns about his natural abilities. Parents should plan to attend these sessions.
Each year Brooker Memorial arranges a Career Expo with career professionals in a variety of fields. We offer students who’ve completed both the aptitude testing and attended their results session an opportunity to meet in small groups with the professionals.
The Career Expo is a key follow-up opportunity for students to explore career paths and interact with professionals in aligned fields. Small groups are arranged where students can speak with a professional interested in their career field. Students ask questions about day-to-day work details and get advice on starting in a particular field.
Brooker aims to empower students to explore fulfilling and realistic career opportunities through this annual event.
Apply Online
Dates for the 2025 Spring session are March 4, 6, 11 or 13.
Application Deadline:
Friday, Feb. 14, 2025
“I found it helpful as it gave me insight into the possible career paths that I can take.”
-Evelyn F.
My personal experience with the Johnson O’Connor Research Foundation was extremely positive. It left me feeling more open-minded, and admittedly quite excited regarding my future… Up until this point, my main concern was “what was I going to do with my life?” I feel more confident post-testing and am leaning now toward the question “What am I going to choose to do in my life?”
– Owen G.
