CAPS Fall 2025 Newsletter

BOLD & BRIGHT

Fresh projects, national collaboration, and bold new ideas—see what’s happening at CF CAPS this fall!

Exploring CAPS Launch: Building the K-12 Continuum

One of the most exciting developments this fall is the launch of Exploring CAPS, a new 7th grade experience designed to give students an early taste of what makes Cedar Falls CAPS so unique. The class lets students “fast-forward” into the world of authentic learning, discovering who they are, working on team-based projects, and building durable skills like creativity, initiative, and problem-solving.

By introducing these experiences earlier, Exploring CAPS strengthens the Cedar Falls learning continuum—from 6th-grade authentic learning to the community-based projects of high school CAPS. It helps students connect their ideas and interests to real-world challenges, building the purpose and confidence that prepare them to thrive in the full CAPS experience ahead.

Workforce Pipeline Comes Full Circle

At a time when teacher shortages challenge schools across the nation, Cedar Falls is growing its own.

In one elementary classroom, three generations of CF CAPS Education associates came together, one a current CAPS student-associate, one a UNI teaching major and paraeducator, and one now a full-time teacher in our district. Even more special? All three are children of Cedar Falls educators.

It’s a living example of how CF CAPS is helping solve the workforce puzzle by inspiring future teachers, retaining local talent, and strengthening the very community that raised them.

READ LINKEDIN ARTICLE HERE

CAPS Industries Immersion Week Kick-Off

Powered by Our New Advisory Board

This fall marked the launch of our CAPS Industries Advisory Board, a group of dedicated local industry leaders committed to expanding real-world learning for our associates.

Thanks to their collaboration, our CAPS Industries Immersion Week offered associates the chance to spend time within a variety of local businesses—exploring career paths ranging from entry-level positions to company ownership.

This hands-on experience gave associates a deeper understanding of the skills, opportunities, and pathways available within our regional industries. We’re thankful for the partnerships that continue to strengthen our community connections and learning for our associates.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS:

Design Sprint

This fall, CAPS partnered with Grow Cedar Valley for our Fall 2025 Design Sprint. Associates were challenged to create a stronger, more unified identity for the Cedar Valley. Teams worked collaboratively to develop creative solutions to spark regional pride, strengthen connection, and engage the entire Cedar Valley. They then presented their solutions to a panel of business leaders, receiving valuable feedback around durable skills, communication, professionalism and solutions to the problem of shaping a vision that celebrates the Cedar Valley as a vibrant, unified place to live, work, and thrive.

LEARN WAYS TO PARTNER

CEDAR VALLEY PROGRAM EXPANSION:

Welcome to the CAPS Family

We’re thrilled to welcome Sumner-Fredericksburg Community School District, launching their CAPS program in January 2026! We’re excited to see this district join the growing network of CAPS programs, empowering student-associates with real-world, professional learning experiences. Welcome to the family!

CAPS SPOTLIGHT:

National Visits Fuel Innovation

This fall, we welcomed over 30 educators from Wyoming, Ohio, and the CAPS Network for three days inside our host sites and community.

They saw student-associates leading meetings, solving real problems, and developing their purpose. It was a reminder that when business and education work together, there are infinite possibilities.

LINKEDIN ARTICLE

SPRING 2025 INNOVATION CELEBRATION: Showcasing Our Growth & Talent

The annual CAPS Innovation Celebration brought together teams of associates from across the Cedar Valley to showcase their projects and innovative solutions developed throughout the year. The event was again especially exciting as 6th grade students presented their authentic learning projects alongside our high school CAPS associates.

The celebration highlighted creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving across grade levels and was an inspiring reminder of how our youth rise to the challenge when provided with opportunities.

Save the Date: Innovation Celebration – April 22, 2026, 5:30-7pm at Western Home Diamond Event Center

KEEPING CONNECTED:

We’re proud of our growing alumni network—and we’re making it easier than ever to stay connected.

CAPS Alumni Holiday Social

We can’t wait to reconnect at our Annual CAPS Alumni Holiday Social on Wednesday, December 17th at Riverplace Cowork!

Join us for food, fun and fellowship. Festive attire is a bonus! We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Scan the QR here to RSVP or Click the link below!

ALUMNI - RSVP HERE!

We’re excited to share that our Make It Real campaign is officially underway. This initiative helps ensure every CAPS student gains access to real projects, real mentors and real durable skills that prepare them for life beyond high school.

More to come, but if you’d like to get a head start, simply click on the link below to visit our giving page and learn how you can help students develop their path to purpose.

Thank you for supporting Cedar Falls CAPS and helping make it real for our students.

PLEDGE TODAY!

NEWSLETTER