Real world experience. Professional environments. Engaging projects. The Saint Charles County Center for Advanced Professional Studies, or CAPS, program introduces all of these important aspects to interested juniors and seniors. By providing both a healthcare and business course, there are different ways students can kick start their careers while also earning high school and college credit.
Senior Julia Lal is enrolled in the healthcare course for CAPS. “I joined CAPS to get a look into the medical field to see if I wanted to eventually pursue a career. I would definitely recommend this program to students like myself who are unsure about this profession,” Lal said. “My favorite part of CAPS is going on rotations and shadowing different departments in the hospital.”
Entrepreneurship and Business Management is the second program CAPS offers at Howell. This program is catered to help kids develop project management skills all while working with clients and solving real-world problems.
Senior Caitlyn Drury joined the business course this year. “I joined CAPS because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and do an internship my second semester of high school. It’s a very different experience and it’s a commitment. They don’t treat you like high schoolers, and you have to dress business casual every day,” Drury said. “My favorite memory from CAPS is from the Chicago trip we took in January. I got closer with other CAPS associates and learned a lot.”
In order to join for next year, interested students must meet with their counselor to ensure participation based on their high school credits, transcript and attendance. Students can then fill out an application and provide responses to questions provided by the SCC CAPS Selection Committee.