Local Educators Explore Career-Focused Education Model

Representatives from the McPherson County Community Foundation and administrative staff from Canton-Galva, Inman, and Moundridge school districts toured the Blue Valley Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) facility in Overland Park on September 19. The 16-year-old program offers high school juniors and seniors specialized courses aligned with high-skill, high-demand career opportunities, allowing students to choose areas of interest similar to selecting college courses rather than following traditional schedules.

The CAPS program, which serves about 30% of seniors from Blue Valley's five high schools with no prerequisites, has expanded through the CAPS Network to support 140 schools nationwide. Students meet professional standards in career-focused environments, including medical simulation rooms where they wear scrubs and practice in hospital-like settings, while engineering and business operations courses occupy additional floors. Many classes are taught by former career professionals, and students often graduate with dual credits or certifications while being paired with industry mentors. "Kids want to be a part of something that is unique," said CAPS Director Corey Mohn. "We've found that you have to give kids agency and the chance to advance their strengths." The tour provided local educators insight into how the program operates and information about potentially expanding similar opportunities to McPherson County schools.

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