Building Futures Now

Real-World Learning Through Packer Pathways and CAPS

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 for life after graduation—college, career, or both.

One powerful example is the TriDistrict CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) program, part of the Packer Pathways experience. Through CAPS, juniors and seniors explore careers, gain professional skills, and earn real-world experience—all before graduation.

Programs offered through CAPS include:

• Business and Entrepreneurship
• Computer Science and Information Technology
• Environment, Food, and Agriculture
• Healthcare Careers and Medicine
• Transportation, Business, and Trades
• Urban Education

Forging Their Own Path: Student Spotlights

Maverick– Transportation and Trades

For Maverick, senior at South St. Paul High School, learning never looked like sitting in a traditional classroom. Instead, it looked like tool karts, light switches, and a full-time job before graduation.

Maverick has been part of the TriDistrict CAPS program for two years, first in the classroom and now through work release. “It wasn’t like a normal high school class,” Maverick says, “It taught us more trade and life skills.Things you don’t always learn sitting at a desk.”

His Junior year of high school, Maverick joined the Transportation and Trades Pathway. He spent the first part of the program experiencing different trades, fabricating tool karts, painting tables, completing small electrical and plumbing projects. He found his passion in the Transportation Industry and accepted an internship with North American Trailer in Inver Grove Heights. 

After his internship with the CAPS program came to an end, Maverick was hired full-time last June. He’s been working there ever since. His future plans are simple and focused: keep working, keep learning, and take advantage of every certification and training opportunity that comes his way. 

Maverick credits CAPS for setting him up for success, not only with technical skills but also with the confidence to work with new people and navigate real-world situations. “I enjoyed the structure of CAPS classes,” he said. “It helps prepare you for the real world. I learned how to interact professionally with other people”

His advice to future students considering the CAPS program? “Do it. It’s a really good opportunity. I don’t think I would be where I am today if it wasn’t for CAPS.”

As graduation approaches, Maverick knows he’s ready for what’s next because he’s already living it.

Mariana– Healthcare Careers and Medicine

For Mariana, senior at South St. Paul High School, learning goes beyond the classroom. It looks like scrubbing instruments, organizing dental tools, and getting hands-on experience in the healthcare field while earning college credit along the way.

Mariana is part of the TriDistrict CAPS Healthcare Pathway, a program that gives students real-world experience in career fields they’re passionate about. “I chose orthodontics because it was more hands-on,” Mariana says. “I’ve learned a lot about what it’s actually like behind the scenes.”

As part of her CAPS experience, Mariana is interning at Horton Orthodontics, working as a sterilization technician. She spends three days a week cleaning, wrapping, and organizing instruments all while learning how a dental office operates. The experience has helped solidify her future plans of becoming a dental hygienist.

Outside of CAPS, Mariana says classes like anatomy, chemistry, and biology at SSPHS have helped her feel even more prepared for her future career in healthcare.

Her advice for students thinking about CAPS? “Apply! There are so many opportunities to learn and meet new people,” she says. “It’s a great way to figure out what you want to do and get real experience before graduating.”

As she looks ahead to life after high school, Mariana knows she’s already building the skills and confidence she’ll need.

Want to Get Involved?

The CAPS program is always looking for businesses to partner with to bring real-world experiences to students. If you own or manage a business and are interested in being involved, reach out to program director Ben Kusch at bkusch@tridistrictce.org.