The conversation around education is shifting. Rather than preparing students for predetermined roles, forward-thinking models like the CAPS Network are giving young people the agency to explore, adapt, and create their own futures. This approach isn’t just about building skills; it’s about fostering confidence and a genuine love for learning, as evidenced by a recent alumni impact study revealing that former students overwhelmingly describe their CAPS experience with the word “love.”
Why This Matters: Traditional education often feels like assembling a pre-designed Lego set. CAPS, in contrast, provides the raw blocks, encouraging students to experiment and build something entirely unique. This distinction is critical because the job market is evolving rapidly, and the ability to adapt and self-discover will be far more valuable than rigid training for specific roles.
The CAPS Model: Unbundling Pathways for Student Agency
The CAPS Network, led by CEO Corey Mohn, operates on a simple yet powerful principle: giving students the tools to design their own educational journey. This isn’t about abandoning structure entirely, but about allowing flexibility and exploration within a professional context.
Key Principles:
- Profession-Based Learning: Real-world experience with industry professionals takes center stage.
- Self-Discovery: Students explore their passions and strengths through hands-on opportunities.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Failure is seen as a learning opportunity, fostering adaptability.
- Responsiveness: The program adapts to changing industry needs, ensuring relevance.
- Durable Skills: Focus on transferable skills like problem-solving, communication, and leadership.
The emphasis on self-discovery is particularly noteworthy. Unlike linear pathways dictated by job postings, CAPS encourages students to move “horizontally,” exploring multiple interests before committing to a single direction. This is supported by the success stories of alumni like Sophia Porter, a former rocket scientist turned philanthropic leader who leveraged her CAPS experience to chart an unconventional yet impactful career.
Alumni Speak: The Emotional Impact of CAPS
The recent 2025 Alumni Impact Study confirms what many educators suspect: students thrive when given autonomy. The study found that CAPS alumni accelerate faster in their careers, earning higher salaries than their peers. But the most striking finding was the overwhelming positive sentiment expressed by former students. Using AI-powered analysis, researchers discovered that “love” was the most frequent word used to describe their CAPS experience.
What This Means: Students aren’t just acquiring skills; they’re forming deep connections with learning and discovering passions they never knew they had. This emotional engagement is a powerful predictor of long-term success.
CAPS in Action: The Bentonville Ignite Example
The CAPS model isn’t confined to its original location in Blue Valley, Kansas. Affiliates across the country, like Bentonville Ignite in Arkansas, demonstrate the program’s adaptability. Ignite immerses students in real business environments—from airports to commercial kitchens—allowing them to gain practical experience with industry partners. The program’s success is driven by leaders like Jessica Mol, who brings both business acumen and a commitment to personalized learning.
The Takeaway: CAPS isn’t just a program; it’s a mindset shift. By empowering students to design their own learning pathways, it prepares them not just for jobs but for a future where adaptability and self-discovery are paramount.
