The McPherson County Community Foundation announced the establishment of the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) Program in McPherson County. The program, created through the CAPS Network’s Rural Initiative Cohort, is a partnership with all McPherson County public high schools, aiming to expand educational opportunities for students.
CAPS programs are nationally recognized, innovative high school programs where students gain early exposure to their future careers. Participants are immersed in a professional culture, solve real-world problems, use industry-standard tools and are mentored by employers while earning high school and college credit.
The program’s establishment follows a visit by the foundation and a McPherson County delegation to Blue Valley CAPS. The program’s founding district facilities host programs introducing students to healthcare, science, business, law and technology professions.
Through the CAPS Network’s Rural Initiative, schools receive guidance and flexibility to build programs that fit the interests of both students and the workforce needs of the community.
“McPherson County has a pretty unique atmosphere when it comes to the availability of jobs in specific industries,” said Jim Ostlund, MCCF director of development. “With this initiative, schools will have the opportunity to build programs around what students want to accomplish while also introducing them to a variety of industry partners across our county.”
“Bringing this program to McPherson County is exciting because it creates opportunities for students to connect learning with the real world and discover pathways that match their passions, strengths and future goals,” said Brandi Martinez-McWilliams, McPherson School District director of curriculum and instruction and a CAPS steering team member.
All five public high schools in McPherson County have signed a memorandum of understanding that will allow the county to join the CAPS Network’s Rural Initiative at the start of the next school year. Each school district will be represented on the McPherson County CAPS steering team, with additional support from MCCF Director of Development and McPherson County Industrial Development Company Executive Director Kasi Morales.
McPherson County CAPS Steering Team
- Jim Ostlund, MCCF director of development
- Kasi Morales, MIDC and Go McPherson County executive director
- Tessa Spencer, Canton-Galva High School business teacher
- Holly Binns, Smoky Valley curriculum director
- Hilarie Hecox, Moundridge High School principal
- Tyler Schroeder, Inman High School principal
- Brandi Martinez-McWilliams, McPherson School District director of curriculum and instruction
This team will guide the program through its two-year exploratory phase and support collaboration between school districts. The group will also serve as the connection between the McPherson County CAPS program and the county’s business, community and industrial partners.
“We are very excited for our students in Canton-Galva to have the opportunity to gain employable skills in many different areas with the CAPS program,” said Tessa Spencer, Canton-Galva High School business teacher and steering team member. “Our students need more classes and opportunities than are currently available in our area so they can be at the forefront of their careers.”
As part of joining the Rural Initiative, McPherson County CAPS receives a $30,000 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation to help cover the purchase of necessary equipment. This grant will be equally divided among the county schools.
The program is also a recipient of another grant from the Patterson Family Foundation that will cover the costs associated with joining the CAPS Network Rural initiative.
Through the CAPS Network Rural Initiative, schools will gain access to the CAPS Colab, a digital platform housing profession-based curriculum resources, training materials, and collaboration tools. Program educators will also be given many professional development opportunities and a connection to the national network of innovators to share best practices.
MCCF will give leadership and support to the districts as they collaborate and work towards future goals. The foundation will also serve as the program’s fiscal sponsor, helping facilitate grant funding and connect key supporters with the McPherson County CAPS program.
“As with any initiative, McPherson County CAPS will be directly influenced by the level of support our communities provide,” Ostlund said. “We want to connect students with real, professional opportunities, and that will require robust partnerships with various industries, higher education and our network of donors.”
The CAPS Rural Cohort Program marks a significant step forward in aligning education with workforce needs in McPherson County. Community members, businesses and industry partners are encouraged to support the initiative as it launches and grows, helping students gain the skills and experiences needed to succeed close to home and beyond.
