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What does your future hold?

Internship Program

Professional Experiences for Students

Students associates in the Northland CAPS program have the opportunity to choose from several different strands of study. These strands have been identified by local stakeholders as the most in-demand, high-skill careers available in our region.
Internship Program in Kansas City
Internship Program in Kansas City
Internship Program

High School Internship Program

Northland CAPS does not operate out of a school; instead, our regular classroom sites are fully immersed at numerous business partner sites. Our student associates leave with a deeper understanding of the scope and nature of the corporate world, how to dress and behave in a professional work environment, and the technical skills needed to be successful - all through regular interaction with mentors from the professional world.
Frequently Asked Questions

Find Answers to
Common Questions

What is the key difference between Northland CAPS and regular high school?

Our student associates attend class inside local business partner sites for 2.5 hours per day, five days per week, and we are setup to mimic the work environment. Rather than having every minute of their day scheduled out and dictated, student associates schedule their own tasks and meetings, and they must figure out how to learn important information and skills as needed to tackle projects and prepare for internships.

During the fall semester, we focus primarily on…

  • developing professional skills, such as how to successfully network with industry professionals or how to nail an interview.
  • self-discovery and career exploration, from job shadowing industry professionals at their site to completing actual projects for local businesses.
  • learning technical skills specific to a career of interest (e.g., CAD modeling software or how to read vital signs in a medical setting).
  • connecting to local businesses and business leaders to develop relationships that can lead to future employment opportunities.

During the spring semester, student associates complete an approximately 150-hour internship in a career field of interest with one of numerous business partners.

Is Northland CAPS a trade school or vocational program?

Northland CAPS is geared towards developing professional skills and career exploration, and we do this by immersing students into the business setting on a regular basis. Students interested in focusing on learning a skilled trade should instead apply to one of the region’s career centers.

What type of credit is offered for Northland CAPS courses?

Student associates earn high school credit for successfully completing Northland CAPS; the amount and type of credit is determined by the sending high school. Please ask your school counselor for details.

Student associates also have the option to earn dual credit through one of our post-secondary education partners. The amount and type of credit depends on the strand in which the associate is enrolled. Please call the Northland CAPS office (816)977-8111 for details.

How does Northland CAPS fit into my normal school day?

Northland CAPS courses run from either 7:30-10:00 AM or 12:00-2:30 PM. The typical student associate will spend half of their school day with us and the other half of their day taking classes at their high school. Student associates are asked for their time preference (morning or afternoon) on the NCAPS application, and we work with high school counselors to ensure that the program fits into their school schedule.

What courses do you offer?

We offer courses – called strands - that align with the most in-demand career fields in the Kansas City area; please see our Students & Parents page for more information about each strand.

How much does it cost to be in Northland CAPS?

Our participating school districts pay for their students’ tuition costs, which means Northland CAPS is free for students and their families. However, you must live within the public-school boundaries of one of our participating districts to join:

  • Excelsior Springs
  • Kearney
  • Lathrop
  • Lawson
  • Liberty
  • North Kansas City
  • North Platte
  • Park Hill
  • Platte County
  • Smithville
Is transportation included?

Northland CAPS student associates must provide their own transportation, though many student associates will carpool or get rides with family members. Please speak with your school counselor if you want to participate in Northland CAPS, but transportation is going to be a barrier.

Where is the Northland CAPS building?

Northland CAPS is hosted in several business partner sites throughout Clay and Platte Counties; we do not have a “building” like a typical school does. One benefit of this approach is that our student associates are constantly surrounded by industry professionals. Please see the About Us page for more information on strands and their respective locations.

What do colleges and universities think of CAPS?

Since its beginning in 2013, Northland CAPS has quickly become recognized as a wildly successful career preparatory program. Our student associates consistently earn college scholarships and entry into premiere college programs thanks to polished resumes, impressive portfolios, and fantastic interviewing skills developed while they were with us.

What is the dress code?

We abide to a business casual dress code for all student associates during the fall semester.

    Workplace Experiences

    Strands

    Digital Media and Design

    For the creative, artistic person interested in careers in graphic design, digital photography, audio and/or video production.

    Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing

    Discover STEM careers that align to your passions, skill set, and personality.

    Global Business and Logistics

    Helping businesses thrive by managing people, finances, supplies, projects, and more.

    Medicine and Healthcare

    Explore a wide range of specializations in one of the hottest career paths in the region.

    Technology Solutions

    Software development, cybersecurity, AI, and more... innovative technology surrounds us all.

    Senior Associates

    For second year associates that want to develop leadership skills and continue internships.

    Dual Credit

    College Credit

    Northwest Missouri State University

    College Credit

    Northwest Missouri State University is proud to partner with Northland Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) to offer several Dual Credit opportunities. Enclosed you will find information on the college courses that are offered in each of the Northland CAPS strands as well as the Admission Requirements to participate in Northwest Dual Credit.

    Connect with Us

    Please complete the form below to be notified when the online application becomes available. We may also send notifications of upcoming program activities.