Empowering Students Through Real-World Learning: Meet the CAPS Network
As parents and educators, we want students to find their passions, develop skills and chart a meaningful career path. Enter the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) Network, an innovative educational model designed to immerse high school students in professional, hands-on experiences, setting them up for success in both higher education and the workforce.
The CAPS Network partners with high schools, colleges and businesses nationwide, providing students with authentic, project-based learning in fields like engineering, health care, digital media and entrepreneurship. By connecting classroom learning with real-world challenges, students gain relevant industry experience while building critical professional skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
CAPS Network affiliates gather in June 2024 for a networking activity at Summer Huddle, the organization’s annual professional learning conference, in Kansas City, Missouri.
For example, a CAPS student might design marketing strategies for a local nonprofit, shadow a medical professional, or collaborate on a product prototype alongside engineers. These experiences are more than resume boosters — they’re eye-opening moments that help students explore their passions while contributing to their communities.
Unwired Coffee via Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters worked with a Blue Valley CAPS Design student to create their packaging. Watch a video about this project.
The CAPS model’s ability to adapt to local economies and industries makes it especially powerful. Schools within the CAPS Network build partnerships with area businesses and tailor experiences to reflect regional career opportunities, helping students better understand pathways available to them after high school.
Parents have reported seeing newfound confidence in their students who have participated in the program. Educators appreciate the opportunity to redefine learning outside the classroom, and businesses value the chance to shape future leaders in their fields. It’s a win for everyone involved.
In rural areas, the CAPS Network has introduced the Rural Kansas Initiative, aimed at creating meaningful opportunities for students in smaller communities. By leveraging local industries and entrepreneurs, the program empowers rural students to explore career pathways while staying connected to their hometowns. This initiative not only fosters economic growth but also ensures that every student — regardless of location — has access to high-quality learning experiences. From Osborne to Dodge City, Kansas communities involved in the 2024 Rural Cohort have experienced profession-based learning firsthand.
Students from Osborne, Russell and Victoria gathered in November 2024 to work on a design challenge issued by a client, the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Love, Kansas campaign. Students gave the client social media content and data-driven insights about how to grow its Instagram page.
Students from Ford County came together in Dodge City for a design challenge event through the CAPS Network Rural Initiative in November 2024.
CAPS Network has begun outreach for its 2025 cohort and welcomes districts to apply to participate. Those selected will receive over $20,000 of CAPS Network support through professional learning, coaching, network-building and more.
Discover how the CAPS Network can help your student explore career paths and develop lifelong skills. Visit yourcapsnetwork.org to find programs near you and connect with the team.
Allison K Nelson is the K12 Liaison for Rural Communities at CAPS Network. Nelson is fueled by a desire to empower students to their highest potential by inspiring them to find their unique and valuable skill sets and put those to work for the greater good. She is proud to work on behalf of and in partnership with educators, administrators, and ecosystem leaders to connect students with meaningful, career-connected learning opportunities. Wearing her digital media and marketing hat, Allison leads the Student Media Agency: a virtual internship opportunity for students from CAPS affiliate programs.