CAPS Network selects first cohort for $951K initiative toward rural Kansas learning expansion

A significant U.S. Department of Education grant is expected to serve as a catalyst for CAPS Network’s ambitious plan to expand profession-based learning in rural America, with a particular focus on its home state of Kansas.

Seven rural partner communities already have been selected.

The federal funding came after impactful advocacy from U.S. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, according to leaders from CAPS, which is headquartered in Overland Park. The primary objective of this initiative is to identify and collaborate with rural communities that share a vision of providing high school students with authentic, real-world experiences directly connected to professionals in various fields.

“Hands-on experience exposes students to new career opportunities and provides them with practical skills they can take with them into the workforce,” said Moran. “Our country is facing significant workforce shortages in a number of industries, and the CAPS Network is helping prepare students across America, and particularly in rural school districts, to meet those demands.”

“I’m grateful these federal resources will provide new learning opportunities for Kansas students and help address our nation’s workforce needs, ” he added. 

ICYMI: CAPS Network expanding into rural Kansas schools with $951K education grant

Among the 2024 cohort of rural Kansas communities participating in the initiative: 

• USD 430, South Brown County Schools, Horton 
• USD 407, Russell
• USD 432, Victoria
• USD 379, Clay County, Clay Center
• USD 443, Rural Education Workforce Alliance, Dodge City 
• USD 428, Great Bend 
• USD 392, Osborne 

The initiative is expected to span the next three years, extending through 2025-2026. Other districts are invited to apply for the 2025 cohort, with CAPS Network planning to award another five to 10 communities and begin working with them in summer 2025.

Click here to learn more about the rural Kansas initiative.

Key highlights of the initiative: 

• Affiliate expansion: CAPS Network aims to create 12-15 school district affiliations, introducing the CAPS framework and programming in 2024. This expansion will ensure rural communities have access to cutting-edge educational opportunities. 

• K-12 liaison: CAPS Network has hired Allison K. Nelson as the dedicated K-12 Liaison to provide onboarding, on-ground support, and coordination for all aspects of CAPS implementation. This critical role will help ensure the success of the program in rural areas.

• Resource platform access: Educators in rural Kansas will gain access to the CAPS resource platform, known as the CAPS Colab, to integrate profession-based learning into their curricula. Training opportunities on the CAPS teaching mindshift will also be made available. 

• National networking: CAPS Network will connect educators from rural Kansas with innovative educators nationwide fostering collaboration and innovation in education. 

• Professional learning opportunities: Educators will have the opportunity to attend the CAPS Network professional learning conference, the Summer Huddle, with discounted and free passes provided by CAPS Network.