In fall 2015, Shakopee Public Schools created the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program. The program immerses Shakopee High School juniors and seniors into authentic career experiences with the help of local business partners. The students receive a variety of on-the-job knowledge and skills through projects and internships. They also receive college credit through Normandale Community College.

The city has partnered with the CAPS digital design program since 2015. The students have provided the city with top-notch graphic design, including Clean Up Day flyers, Huber Park Performance series marketing and more. This spring semester, we’re hosting two interns, one in communications and one in Parks and Recreation. Each works at the city two hours a day, four days a week.

In November, the city partnered with the program on two specific projects: rebranding Shakopee Government TV and the Enigma Teen Center. As part of the Shakopee Government TV project, Leo Lickford and Bradley Vilaychack created a new logo, on-screen graphics and meeting open video. Amy Nguyen and Isabel Roberts worked with the Enigma Teen Center users to develop a new logo and brand.

The students will present their projects, as well as discuss their learnings from the experience.