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Career and College Readiness

At South St. Paul Public Schools, students don’t have to wait until after graduation to start building their futures. From preschool through 12th grade, Packer Pathways helps students discover their passions, connect them to real-world opportunities, and prepare them for life after graduation, whether that’s college, career, or both.

One powerful example is the TriDistrict CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) program, part of the Packer Pathways experience. CAPS is a real-world learning program for juniors and seniors in South St. Paul. Through CAPS, students explore careers, gain professional skills, and learn about the many ways to earn college credits, degrees, or job-ready certifications all before graduation.

Visit www.careercollegeready.org to learn more about the TriDistrict CCR Initiative.

 

TRIDISTRICT CAPS PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES

TriDistrict CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) is an innovative, career-focused initiative that connects high school students with professional experiences in fields like healthcare, business, education, and IT. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and partnerships with local industries, students develop essential skills, earn college credit, and gain a clearer vision for their future careers. This program is in partnership with Simley High School and Two Rivers High School. By sharing resources our districts are able to offer our students more career and college readiness programming and opportunities.

 


 

Student Success Stories

It’s a really good opportunity. I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for CAPS.Maverick, Grade 12

Maverick at internship

Maverick – Transportation and Trades

For Maverick, a senior at South St. Paul High School, learning never looked like sitting at a traditional desk. It looked like tool carts, light switches, and a full-time job before graduation.

He joined the Transportation and Trades Pathway through CAPS, exploring hands-on trades and completing an internship at North American Trailer in Inver Grove Heights. Today, he works there full-time. “It taught us trade and life skills, things you don’t always learn sitting at a desk,” he says. “It helps prepare you for the real world.”

It’s a great way to figure out what you want to do and get real experience before graduating.Mariana, Grade 12

Mariana at internship

Mariana – Healthcare Careers and Medicine

For Mariana, another SSPHS senior, learning means scrubbing dental tools, organizing instruments, and earning college credit in the Healthcare Careers and Medicine Pathway.

Through her internship at Horton Orthodontics, she works as a sterilization technician gaining real experience in a dental clinic while confirming her future path to become a dental hygienist. Her advice for other students? “Apply! There are so many opportunities to learn and meet new people.”

Postsecondary Enrollment Options

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn college credit tuition free while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college courses. With traditional PSEO, these courses are generally offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online.

Watch this video for more information on PSEO at SSP High School