TriDistrict CAPS 2022-23 Kickoff

TriDistrict CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) programs started the school year with some BIG ideas around community building, and making our TriDistrict schools communities better places for everyone. All four CAPS programs (Business & Entrepreneurship, Computer Science/IT, Healthcare, and Transportation & Skilled Trades) convened September 7-9 for three afternoons of community and team-building, ice-breaking, and critical thinking and creative problem solving. More than 110 CAPS Associates (students) from the TriDistrict member high schools (South St. Paul, Simley, and Two Rivers) met at Evolve Workplace in West St. Paul.

Thursday and Friday the students were a part of a "hack-a-thon" to close out the week. Facilitators from Reve Academy, along with TriDistric CAPS program leaders, led them through a Human-Centered Design workshop. CAPS students learned the basics of human-centered design and design-thinking. They then put their new skills into action with a design challenge of how to build, improve, and support a more positive and inclusive school culture at their home high schools. Programs will come together again later in the fall  to revisit this work, and ultimately design, refine, and present these findings and proposals to their principals and school leaders.  

The TriDistrict CAPS is a profession-based learning program that is a collaboration between South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, and West St. Paul - Mendota Heights - Eagan Schools. TriDistrict CAPS is a member of an international CAPS Network of programs that promote career exploration, professional skill development, and preparing students for the workplaces and careers of today and tomorrow. Interested in learning more, or finding out how you or your organization can be involved? Visit the TriDistrict CAPS website for more information.