Preparing ALL Students for THEIR PURPOSE
Infinite possibilities through real-world experiences in the community setting with engaged business partners in the Cedar Valley Region of Iowa
"We make professionals!"
The Center for Advanced Professional Studies takes students outside of the traditional classroom and immerses them in professional environments
Student-Associates develop problem-solving and professional skills to work on real projects for real business clients. This experience along with focused development on career exploration helps prepare each of them for their purpose beyond their life as a student. CF CAPS is an example of how business, community and education can partner to produce personalized learning experiences that educate the workforce of tomorrow, especially in high skill, high-demand jobs.
CF CAPS is a STEM BEST model of the Governor's STEM Advisory Council and an affiliate of Cedar Valley CAPS
Featured Podcasts
CF CAPS has had the opportunity to be a part of a number of podcasts over the last couple of years. We have found that these featured episodes can give a very clear insight into what CAPS is and the impact it can have not just on the student associates, but local businesses and communities as a whole. We invite you to click on the episodes below to learn more about how Cedar Falls and Cedar Valley CAPS have made that impact since we launched our first cohort in January 2017.
The FOUR CORNERSTONES
Cedar Valley CAPS programs are built on a customized framework that supports profession-based learning to prepare students for their purpose
INNOVATION
PROBLEM SOLVING
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
CAREER EXPLORATION
Frank & Jacob
"CAPS gives students the freedom and independence to do and pursue their interests. I gained social skills, communication abilities, the ability to work on a team and leadership skills. More importantly, I gained a lot of confidence in who I am and where I am going."
Erin O.
"Honestly without the CAPS program,
and the supportive instructors all around, I'm not sure if I would've figured out I wanted to be a nurse."
CF CAPS Pathways
Course Industry Strands
Business Solutions
CNA
Earn a Certified Nursing Aid certificate through a special partnership with Western Home Communities, while also gaining training to develop problem-solving and professional skills.
Education & Training
Industries
New for FALL 2021, A unique industrial technology program, CAPS style. Embedded within the construction and manufacturing industry and partnering with Habitat for Humanity to make a real impact in the community.
Medical & Health Services
Exploration of Health Sciences and Medicine is a scientific, inquiry-based experience to advance the student’s understanding of patient care, human physiology, disease process, research and ethics.
Robotics & Engineering
Preparing You for Your Purpose
Becoming an Associate
Visit with your School Counselor to learn more.
The Cedar Falls CAPS Team
Professionals with experienced backgrounds in leadership, education, economic development, business, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, robotics, media, sciences, mathematics, planning and more.
Heidi Anderson
Oral Communications Lead
Nate Clayberg, CEcD
Program & Business Development Manager
Megan Droste
Instructor, Education & Training and Instructional Support Manager
Diane Flaherty
Cedar Valley CAPS Instructional Support Lead
David Grund
Instructor, Industries (Construction & Trades)
Gary Koenan
Auxiliary Instructor, Education & Training
Mae Lillibridge, BSN
Instructor, Medical & Health Services
Kenton Swartley
Instructor, Robotics & Engineering and District STEM Coordinator
Ethan Wiechmann
Program Director
Chris Wood
Instructor, Business Solutions and High School College & Career Counselor
"CAPS is the appropriate way for regional businesses to engage with high schools. It is the bridge between business and education."
Mark Kittrell, Eagle View Partners & Iowa Economic Development Authority Board Member
CF CAPS Advisory Board
MENTORSHIP
It may be too late for you to be a student-associate in CAPS, but it is never too late to get involved in supporting Profession Based Learning in the Cedar Valley.
PROJECTS
Do you have a project that has languished as the 8th, 9th or 10th item on your To-Do List? Trust our Associates to take your project to the next level.
True Return on Investment
This is not an ordinary education program. CF CAPS has had a true impact on local economic development in the Cedar Valley.
"I wish I would have had CAPS when I was in high school!”
- Business Partners, Parents, former CFHS Alumni
