LOGAN — Northern Utah students will soon have a new avenue for career readiness with the launch of the Cache Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program, a hands-on, mentor-guided initiative set to begin this fall.
Supported by $65 million in statewide funding through Utah’s HB447, the program connects high school students from Logan, Box Elder, Rich, and Cache County School Districts with real-world, industry-driven projects guided by professionals across the region.
The program officially kicked off with a Cache CAPS Welcome Night on May 15 at the Bridgerland Technical College Health Science Building, where Utah Rep. Jason Thompson praised the effort as “almost revolutionary.”
“Not many states are doing something equivalent to what we’re doing here in Utah,” Thompson said, citing HB447’s intent to prepare students for a dynamic, diverse economy.
Led by Cache County School District Career and Technical Education Director John Anderson, the program is modeled after similar initiatives in Davis and Wasatch counties and has drawn support from educators and industry leaders throughout Northern Utah.
Cache CAPS Director John Anderson answers a student’s questions about CAPS coursework.
“This is going to be the most unique class experience that you will have in high school — and maybe ever,” Anderson told students. “You’re not walking into a traditional classroom.”
Instead, students will work on projects for local companies, mentored by professionals in the field. “It’s not job shadowing — it’s real work,” Anderson emphasized.
Green Canyon High School student Paige Gurney, who helped design the program’s website as part of a student competition, has already landed a website internship through CAPS.
“I’m excited to be a part of the CAPS program,” she said. “It seems like there’s some cool stuff for me to do.”
The program will initially serve up to 150 students at BTech’s west campus during the final two periods of the school day, with plans to expand to 450 students by the 2027–2028 school year. The first year will offer two tracks: Business, Marketing and Entrepreneurship, and Aspiring Educators. Future expansions will add tracks in Creative Computing, Engineering and Industrial Design, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Health and Medical Studies.
Representative Jason Thompson welcomes parents, students, administrators, and industry partners to the Cache CAPS program.
Concurrent enrollment opportunities are also being explored through Utah State University, allowing students to earn both high school and college credit.
“This isn’t just a pilot,” said Thompson. “You’re paving the way for a lot of other people.”
Students interested in joining CAPS should speak with their high school counselor. More information is available on the Cache CAPS website.