The CAPS Network, a leading organization dedicated to revolutionizing high school education, proudly announces its 2025 cohort of rural Kansas communities selected to launch and grow profession-based learning experiences. This work is made possible through a $951,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education, secured with the advocacy of U.S. Senator Jerry Moran.
Allison K Nelson, CAPS Network’s K12 Liaison for Rural Communities, has been working directly with rural CAPS communities:
“The 2024 cohort of our Rural Initiative has shown what’s possible when rural Kansas communities are equipped with the right resources and support. We’re thrilled to welcome a new group of communities this year and excited for the innovation, collaboration, and insights they’ll bring to rural educators across the CAPS Network.”
This initiative identifies and collaborates with rural communities committed to providing high school students with authentic, real-world learning directly connected to industry. The CAPS Network supports these communities by subsidizing the cost of affiliation, providing dedicated training and consulting, and delivering resources to integrate the CAPS framework into local schools.
2025 Cohort Announcement
CAPS Network is excited to announce the following communities as part of the 2025 rural cohort:
- USD 227 in Jetmore, KS (serving Hodgeman County)
- Stafford County Economic Development (serving USD 350 St. John, USD 351 Macksville, and USD 349 Stafford)
- Life Skills Academy, powered by IBRC (serving Montgomery County, KS)
- USD 421 in Lyndon, KS
- USD 387 Altoona-Midway in Altoona, KS
- K-State Salina in Salina, KS
These new communities join the 2024 cohort, which includes:
- USD 430 South Brown County in Horton, KS
- USD 407 in Russell, KS
- USD 432 in Victoria, KS
- USD 379 Clay County in Clay Center, KS
- USD 443 / Rural Education Workforce Alliance in Dodge City, KS
- USD 428 in Great Bend, KS
- USD 392 in Osborne, KS
CAPS Network plans to select additional communities in the coming year, expanding the initiative’s reach and impact across rural Kansas.
Key Highlights of the Initiative:
- Affiliate Expansion: CAPS Network is working to support a network of school district affiliations by the end of 2026, bringing the CAPS model to more rural students across Kansas.
- K-12 Liaison: Allison K. Nelson serves as the dedicated K-12 Liaison, providing onboarding, on-ground support, and coordination to ensure successful implementation. She can be reached at allison@yourcapsnetwork.org.
- Resource Access: Participating educators gain access to the CAPS Colab, a digital platform housing profession-based curriculum resources, training materials, and collaboration tools.
- Professional Development: Educators receive ongoing training on the CAPS mindset and model and are invited to attend CAPS Network’s Summer Huddle professional learning conference, with discounted and complimentary passes. In partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation, rural KS CAPS affiliates will have access to world-class training in Design Thinking, Profession-Based learning, AI integration, and business partnerships and community engagement.
- National Collaboration: Rural educators are connected to a national network of innovators to share best practices, collaborate on projects, and inspire one another. Rural KS CAPS affiliates are taken on guided site visits to regional rural CAPS programs.
This initiative will continue through the 2025–2026 school year, expanding access to profession-based learning in rural communities and preparing students for success in an evolving workforce.
Media Contact:
Corey Mohn, President & Executive Director
Email: corey@yourcapsnetwork.org
About CAPS Network
The CAPS Network is a pioneering organization transforming high school education by bridging the gap between classroom learning and the professional world. Through immersive, project-based learning experiences, CAPS empowers students—primarily juniors and seniors—to solve real-world problems alongside industry mentors, using professional tools and practices.
Today, more than 180 school districts across 25 states and four countries participate in the CAPS Network. CAPS prepares students to graduate with confidence, professional skills, and a clear understanding of their strengths, passions, and potential career paths.
To learn more about the CAPS Rural Kansas Initiative, visit: https://yourcapsnetwork.org/rural-kansas-initiative
