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District launches CAPS capstone program with industry partners, aims to expand CTE pathways
Summary
Box Elder presented its new CAPS capstone program in partnership with CACHE (Cash) and Logan, issuing state-of-the-art laptops and describing industry mentorship, maker-space equipment and pathways in education, engineering and manufacturing.
Box Elder School District officials outlined the launch of a new CAPS (capstone) program at a Sept. 10 board meeting, detailing classroom formats, industry mentorship and plans to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.
CTE Director Ben Wylie described the CAPS model used in the consortium with Cache and Logan districts: students work on real business projects in teams, partner with industry mentors and use maker-space tools such as 3-D printers, laser engravers and prototype equipment. Wylie said the space is designed for “pods” of collaborative work rather than traditional sit-and-listen classes, and that students in the program receive institution-standard laptops and hands-on project experience.
Wylie and other presenters said the initial CAPS rollout includes an aspiring-educators pathway (students preparing for education careers), an engineering/innovation space and plans for manufacturing, computer science and transportation/logistics pathways tied to local industry demand. He said eight students were confirmed for the second trimester and that total capacity is limited initially; the program will expand as demand, teacher credentials and scheduling allow.
District staff described community interest from local businesses, including Nucor, and said industry partners have offered project mentors and, in some cases, funding for equipment. The CAPS program is a consortium model that allows districts to share classroom spaces and grants; Wylie said that partnership increased grant and equipment opportunities.
Why it matters: CAPS gives seniors (and juniors preparing for the program) project-based experience tied directly to employers’ needs. The district said CAPS will create pathways from high school into in-demand local careers and may reduce outmigration of skilled-trade jobs.
Next steps: The district will open registration windows with support from partner registrars, pursue credentialing for instructors to offer concurrent-enrollment credits, and expand pathways based on industry demand and district resources.
