Connecting businesses with those who are teaching tomorrow’s workforce

The Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Professional Studies (GO CAPS) connects high school students with information and hands-on experience related to the wide range of potential employment options available to them in the Springfield area after their school days are done.

But the program also provides that same information to teachers, who share it with current and future students in their own classrooms – and that's where businesses and nonprofit organizations like yours can help.

The GO CAPS Teacher Externship Program connects educators with business partners, providing unique experiences in industries and professional fields outside of the schools where they teach. Teachers take the knowledge from their externship back to their classrooms to better prepare students for the workforce.

There are numerous benefits for both businesses and participating teachers. Business leaders get the opportunity to impact the future workforce by showing teachers the best aspects of your business and send them back to their classrooms excited about what companies like yours can offer their students – from internships to jobs to careers.

Meanwhile, teachers are encouraged to make lasting connections with their host business to continue collaboration throughout the school year. They get to experience the workforce for which they are preparing their students, and they’re exposed to various departments within a company and can connect with business leaders and fellow teachers.

“Our area educators are often unaware of the local career opportunities that await their students,” said Karen Kunkel, GO CAPS coordinator. “The externship is a great opportunity for businesses to highlight what they do and the positions available across all divisions of their companies. Teachers are overwhelmingly surprised about what’s available in the Springfield region and are excited to share this information with their students.”

The externship lasts four days, two of which feature embedding teachers at business locations. But the program can’t be successful unless businesses like yours are willing to participate. The program has two sessions; teachers will be on site July 19-20 and August 2-3.

If you think your organization would be a good fit to host teachers for one or two days this summer, fill out this brief online form so that we know you're interested. You can also email Karen Kunkel with questions about the program.