EXPLORING CAREERS

ARTICLE BY Beth Kornegay

PHOTOS BY Casey Rooman Smith

A new center and programs help USD 232 students look to the future.

De Soto USD 232 is adding a new education center with an anticipated opening in August.

Located at 8201 Mize Boulevard in Lenexa, the Cedar Creek Exploration Center is being built as part of an $85 million bond issue approved by voters in May 2018. That bond is scheduled to provide enhancements for every school in the district; it contained a three-phase construction project over the course of four years and includes the Early Childhood Center, with construction that began in 2020.

The Early Childhood Center will support district students aged from birth to 5 years old through quality preschool programs, special education services, screenings, and parent education. For the 2021–22 school year, Cedar Trails preschool enrollment is estimated to be 175 preschool students participating in half-day programs. Information about enrollment and other early childhood services can be found at the district’s website, www.USD232.org.

A portion of the CTEC building will provide space for courses and programs designed for juniors and seniors with the goal of helping them learn about possible career paths prior to investing time and money in college classes, certification, or additional training. Students will “try on a career” through appropriate courses that connect with the student’s Individual Plan of Study as part of the Center for Advanced Professional Studies.

The innovative CAPS programs allow students to immerse themselves in a professional culture while being mentored by real world employers and while solving real world problems. Students are eligible to receive both high school and college credit for their work. The program is an example of how public education can successfully partner with businesses and the community to help educate and create the highly skilled workforce that will be needed in the future.

For several years, the De Soto School District has partnered with the Eudora School District to allow USD 232 students to attend the Eudora-De Soto Technical Education Center for career and technical education programs. Now those students will have the opportunity to attend classes and participate in educational programs closer to home. Eudora students will also have the chance to attend the center’s CAPS program.

DIFFERENT PATHS

The advanced programs are divided into three different ‘strands’ of study including bioscience, design, and emerging technologies. Each of the three strands culminates with a workplace experience.

“Each strand has a business/ industry advisory council who assist with offering ideas for program improvement and realworld learning opportunities,” says Dr. Cindy Swartz, career & technical education coordinator. “Students will be encouraged to work together on collaborative projects similar to how business/industry operates in the real world. Seniors will be provided an opportunity to complete capstone projects with assistance from mentors.”

The bioscience strand focuses on solving modern health problems through scientific processes leading to the creation of useful products. A student has the chance to learn more about medicine, forensic science, biomedical engineering, and public health, among others. The courses offered include applied biochemistry, Advanced Placement biology, biotechnical engineering, and biomedical innovation.

The design strand features on-site design labs, software, and equipment for students interested in careers in digital visual design, graphics/ animation, art production, marketing, and web design. Those class options include principles of illustration, graphic design fundamentals, computer graphics, graphic design, animation, and game design.

The emerging technologies strand combines electronics, robotics, computer science, engineering, and manufacturing and incorporates new and emerging careers such as automated systems, fabrication, and engineering. Course options include robotics, cybersecurity, digital electronics, computer integrated manufacturing, engineering design and development, Advanced Placement computer science principles, introduction to welding, advanced production blueprint reading, mass production, and automated systems.

Students will attend their home high school—De Soto High School or Mill Valley High School—for half of the day and then attend classes at the center for the other half. Since USD 232 follows the block schedule of classes, students will attend advanced classes every other day with time allotted during the middle of the day to transition to the other school.

“At CTEC CAPS, students will grow and problem-solve while following their career interests and understanding that learning never stops once you are in your career. This program allows students to try on a profession to see if it fits prior to spending money on a college education. Students will be empowered with experience to help them make informed life choices prior to graduation,” Swartz says.

TOP RANKING

USD 232 is ranked as a Best School District in Kansas as identified by Niche, which develops those rankings by analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education along with reviews from students and parents. The rankings also include test scores, college readiness, activities, health and safety, graduation rates, SAT/ACT scores, and teacher quality. The district received an overall grade of A+ and ranked No. 2 of all school districts within the state of Kansas.

FOR MORE

WWW.USD232.ORG/DOMAIN/4288