As the first Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program, Blue Valley School Districts' CAPS is going strong in its 15th year, and for good reason. This program benefits the community by providing opportunities for students, parents, professionals, and businesses. CAPS offers a real-world, immersive learning environment that prepares students for future jobs through engagement with local businesses, industry professionals, and hands-on experience, and those who experience the program are thankful for the opportunity.
According to Dana Farrington, Business Development Specialist for Blue Valley CAPS, the real-world learning from professionals is what makes this program so effective. “At CAPS, education extends beyond textbooks. Students work on real-world projects and solve actual industry challenges. This hands-on, project-based learning means students aren't just learning concepts; they’re using the same tools and technologies that professionals use. Whether it's designing a prototype in an engineering lab, conducting bioscience research, or shadowing healthcare professionals, CAPS students gain meaningful experience that prepares them for real-world demands.”
She continued, “CAPS' partnerships with local businesses and industry experts provide students with invaluable mentorship. These professionals offer insights into industry standards, career pathways, and the specific skills students need to succeed.”
Over the years, the program has prioritized high-demand career paths, offering courses in bioscience, engineering, healthcare, business, and education—fields with growing demand locally and nationally. By aligning student learning with workforce needs, CAPS ensures that participants are not only prepared for college but also equipped with relevant skills for today’s job market.
For kids and parents, one of the top benefits is that students can earn college credit while still in high school. This head start on higher education allows them to save time and money as they pursue degrees. The rigor of CAPS courses is aligned with college-level expectations, ensuring students are well-prepared for postsecondary studies.
But perhaps one of the most special things about this program is the community element. “Some of the business partners have remained with CAPS from the beginning others have reached out proactively to share expertise and give back to their community. These have been companies in KC, some owned or run by CAPS students’ parents, and companies from across the country that have reached out through our CAPS Network. The industry mentors are an integral and important part of the experiences that students have at CAPS,” said Dana.
CAPS is not only a community benefit and a program that drives learning in students, but also a successful, proven model for landing students in the right jobs – which is appreciated by both the businesses and parents.
“Many businesses report that CAPS students enter internships and professional environments well-prepared. Employers appreciate the technical skills, critical thinking, and professionalism that students bring. Businesses also commend the program for providing a steady stream of young, creative minds who offer new perspectives on solving problems, helping companies stay current with emerging trends and technologies,” said Dana.
She continued, “On the other hand, parents are impressed by how well CAPS prepares students for college and careers. The learning, internships, and certifications their children receive give them a head start in the workforce and boost confidence. Parents highlight how engaged and excited their students are about learning through CAPS, as the program allows them to explore careers and make informed decisions about their future paths.
The future is bright for CAPS as it continually evolves the courses offered. “We invite any interested business partner to connect with us to find the right size of engagement. Likewise, we have open houses and preview opportunities for students and parents to connect with us to learn about CAPS and how it fits into a high school four-year plan,” said Dana.
This program is setting the bar high and driving excellence in the community. With success landing students into chosen fields—from business owner, inventor, doctor, veterinarian, filmmaker, teacher, engineer, or more—CAPS provides experiences not found anywhere else.
For more information visit: bvcaps.yourcapsnetwork.org