by K. Nobles
The S-O CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) class began its second year of the program on January 3, 2024. This year there have been changes regarding the adviser of the program. The instructor changed from Justin Rottinghouse to Katie Schroder and Judy Haken. This year the program consists of six seniors: Ella Bruxvoort, Ava Dagel, Aiden De Zeeuw, Kristina Habben, Tania Martinez, and Kaitlyn Nobles. This group has completed two design sprints to date.
Through CAPS, student associates learn lifelong professional skills by working with local businesses to manage projects that help improve and leave a positive impact on them and their community. This program prepares student associates for future jobs and career roles by developing soft skills such as communication, commitment, leadership, and time management.
Recently, members participated in the Siouxland design sprint, where real-time designs were developed. In preparation, Schroder and Haken had students complete a logo design for the Osceola County Community Foundation. Through this project, students used their current skill sets while learning how to pitch followed by a “retro-ing” activity (debriefing how the pitch went and how they can improve).