Madison Reporter

Middleton High School's Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) held its inaugural showcase on January 10 at Fiskars in Middleton. The event aimed to celebrate the students' experiences in the program and was attended by community partners, MCPASD staff, and students.

The CAPS program offers a project-based learning experience that places high school students in professional environments. It allows them to explore interests, acquire real-world skills, and collaborate with industry partners. This prepares them for future careers and life after high school.

"Our associates truly shined as they delivered brief and engaging presentations, sharing their project outcomes, CAPS journeys, and the lessons they've learned along the way," said CAPS Coordinator and Instructor Shane Leadholm. "Students from CAPS Biology Research and Design, Business Solutions, and Career Launch impressed the audience with their industry partner projects and individual research projects."

In addition to Fiskars, other collaborators of the CAPS program include Marketini Media, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County, Fetch Rewards, Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN), and UW Credit Union. These partnerships provide students with valuable real-world experiences.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Fiskars for hosting this event and to our community partners for their invaluable contributions," Leadholm stated. "Your support empowers our associates to explore, grow, and excel in their chosen fields. Thank you to everyone who attended and made this event so inspiring and memorable!"

Further information about the program can be found on the CAPS website.