Prior Lake, Lakeville and Shakopee schools to launch professional studies programs

Until recently, the closest many high school students came to visiting a workplace during school hours was a field trip to a local business or an entry-level job in a work-study program.

Today's students, however, want access to actual workplaces and real-world assignments, mirroring what workers in various fields do daily, said Nancy Thul, teaching and learning director in the Shakopee district.

The idea is popular with employers and school administrators, too. Several metro-area districts are investing in intensive professional studies programs, partnering with businesses to get juniors and seniors on the job. The programs also earn students community college credit.

"We've all been looking and striving for relevance for student learning," said Jeff Holmberg, Prior Lake-Savage's assistant superintendent. "I think what we're finding is, we need to go deeper."

This fall, Shakopee High will offer the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program, with concentrations in digital design and healthcare and medicine. Students in the design program will work with Shutterfly, a digital photography and stationery company. In the healthcare program, teens will collaborate with St. Francis Regional Medical Center.

And the Prior Lake-Savage and Lakeville districts plan to collaborate, creating the South of the River Advanced Professional Studies program in fall 2016. To avoid the red tape involved when districts share funding and staff, the districts formed a state-approved Innovation Zone.

In each program, students will spend a half-day at high school and the rest on the job. They will meet high school requirements and receive college credits with classes, on-site projects, mentoring and internships.

Prior Lake-Savage has already approved the project, while the Lakeville school board will vote next week. Lakeville Superintendent Lisa Snyder said she believes the project, which requires a $70,000 contribution from each district, will be approved.

Burnsville-Eagan-Savage had planned to join the collaborative, but bowed out to focus on district projects.

The push to give students in-depth on-the-job training in high school is also a national trend. California, for instance, calls the concept "linked learning" and has programs across the state.

In Minnesota, Minnetonka High School was an early adopter with their Vantage program, started several years ago. Minnetonka, like Shakopee, uses the CAPS model, created by a Kansas school district. Prior Lake-Savage and Lakeville officials will travel to Kansas this summer to learn about the CAPS program, too.

The programs also fits with World's Best Workforce, a state mandate requiring every Minnesota district to make a plan to ensure students graduate ready for college or a career.

And businesses say they can't find workers with the skills they need, said Holmberg.

He said reports are "projecting out and saying, 'You know what? We're seeing certain occupations that are going to need a viable and qualified workforce. And we're seeing kids coming out of high school not ready."

While Shakopee's initial programs focus on healthcare and digital design, the Lakeville and Prior-Lake Savage collaborative program hasn't decided on concentrations yet. Offerings will depend on student interest and partnerships developed with businesses, nonprofits and government agencies. Examples may be medicine, media and broadcasting or engineering, Lewis said.

The programs are geared toward a "broad spectrum" of students, said Thul. That includes students in the middle, academic highfliers or those with disabilities, she said. Students may have varied post-graduation plans, from college to getting a job.

"I just think it's a great way to really be prepared and get out there in the field," Thul said.