MNCAPS
The Minnesota Center for Advanced Professional Studies (MNCAPS) is a partnership of education, industry and community, immersing all students in profession-based learning experiences. Our vision is to develop innovative leaders for the global economy.
Emerging opportunities in the workforce require young people to be skilled in confronting complex problems, working in diverse teams, and embracing the mindset of a lifelong leader. MNCAPS (Minnesota Center for Advanced Professional Studies) is a profession-based immersion program, offering an innovative approach for learning. Through participating in our Pathways, 11th and 12th graders have the opportunity to earn high school and college credits while they attain innovative leadership skills that will aid them in navigating the global economy. Since 2016, our program has established meaningful relationships with companies and organizations that are willing to offer opportunities that prepare students for the workforce.
Our learning model integrates multiple stakeholders in the student learning experience. The coordination of contributions from teachers, mentors, project sponsors, guest instructors, and site visits allows students to interact with learning outcomes in an authentic manner. Industry partners provide guidance for relevant skills and experiences that allow our learning outcomes and standards to acquire authenticity.
Each student is able to enhance their emotional intelligence through MNCAPS. Understanding who they are as individuals allows students to effectively navigate the collaborative nature of our program. Growth in self-confidence, communication, reliability, professionalism, critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership are likely to occur for students who fully immerse themselves in the MNCAPS experience. MNCAPS is offered to students from both Prior Lake High School and Farmington High School.
Recipe for Success
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Instructors create an environment where creative thinking and problem solving is encouraged. An innovative culture is key to fostering entrepreneurial learning and design thinking.
Profession-Based Learning
Instructors develop real-world, project-based learning strategies through collaborations with business and community partners. These interactions enhance the learning experience, preparing students for college and career.
Professional Skills Development
Unique experiences allow students to cultivate transformative professional skills such as understanding expectations, time management and other essential business values. These skill are critical to providing students a competitive advantage in their post-secondary education and professional careers.
Responsiveness
MNCAPS supports high-skill, high-demand careers through ongoing innovation in curriculum development, programs and services based on local business and community needs.
Self-Discovery & Exploration
Students realize their strengths and passions by exploring and experiencing potential professions. This allows them to make informed decisions about their future, while learning to exhibit leadership.
HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE CREDIT
Students will earn high school credit for each of the courses taken at MNCAPS. A student enrolled in a MNCAPS course that is designated as concurrent may earn college credit through College Now Concurrent Enrollment Program based on the concurrent partner’s eligibility requirements. If the MNCAPS course contains Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), it will transfer to any of the Minnesota State College & Universities (MnSCU). See each pathway descriptions for designated concurrent college courses. Transferology.com is also a way to see if private and out of state colleges will transfer the credits received.
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Prior Lake High School Lecture Hall
District Services Center