the CAPS difference
The Blue Valley’s Schools’ Center for Advanced Professional Studies, otherwise known as CAPS, is the program that enables Aquinas students to begin experiencing a career.
By Annie Gellott
The Blue Valley’s Schools’ Center for Advanced Professional Studies, otherwise known as CAPS, is the program that enables Aquinas students to begin experiencing a career. CAPS is known for their professional connections and a curriculum that puts students straight into the workplace. Students can do field research, work with cutting-edge technologies, and gain internships with top employers.
“The connections you make here is the best part of it. I have met so many business people in the Kansas city area. I have an internship with Cerner because of this program. I have done so many things that I could not have done if I had stayed at Aquinas,” said senior Laney Zabroske. “My teacher also pushed me to apply for an award in aspirations in computing and I won. This program pushes you in way you thought was not possible. You learn that you don’t have to be an adult to work on your career.”
The CAPS program has six strands and 26 courses total. From bioscience and medicine to filmmaking and engineering, CAPS has a wide variety of programs to give as many students as possible a chance to get a head-start in their career. Every program meets for three hours, five days a week for a semester. They offer a morning session and an afternoon session.
Depending on which program the student takes, CAPS offers high school elective credits and college credit. Due to scheduling issues, Aquinas encourages students to do CAPS in the morning. This can be a problem because some programs are only offered in the afternoon. This can sometimes cause Aquinas/CAPS students to rearrange their schedules, take online courses, or even summer classes, in order to complete their required credits.
Senior Luke Curran, who was in the Technology Solutions program for three semesters said, “It was pretty difficult to fit it in my schedule. After my first semester, I had to rework my graduation requirements with Mrs. Castinado and I have had to take online classes to fit it in my schedule. Mrs. Castinado did a great job keeping my schedule organized and allowing me to still graduate with the credits I needed.”
At Aquinas, the CAPS program is gaining popularity, with 115 students showing an interest. Every student interviewed said they would recommend CAPS to underclassmen. However, not everyone can do CAPS. In order to enroll, you must be a resident of Blue Valley, an incoming junior or senior, and provide your own transportation.
With course selections right around the corner, students interested in CAPS should begin looking into their program. CAPS fills on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students are encouraged to contact Mrs. Castinado to discuss fitting CAPS into their schedule.