GO CAPS students unite communities through "Give Back" drive

As the holiday season is here, students from the GO CAPS Monett program are making a significant impact through their "Give Back" service project, providing Thanksgiving meals to families across multiple Southwest Missouri communities. The initiative, which serves families in Monett, Pierce City, Wheaton, Hurley, and Mt. Vernon, exemplifies the program's commitment to community service and leadership development.
The food collection drive, organized and executed by GO CAPS students, ensures that families in need can enjoy a complete Thanksgiving meal during this holiday season. This student-led initiative demonstrates the practical application of business and leadership skills that are cornerstone elements of the GO CAPS program.
"The 'Give Back' project showcases what GO CAPS is all about – developing future leaders who understand the importance of community service and have the skills to execute meaningful projects," said Bill Whitman, Global Business & Entrepreneurism instructor. The project has brought together students from various participating school districts, fostering collaboration and community building across the region.
GO CAPS: Celebrating a Decade of Excellence
This year marks a significant milestone as the GO CAPS Monett program celebrates its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, the program has transformed the educational landscape in southwest Missouri, bridging the gap between traditional education and real-world business experience. The program's impact is evident in the successful careers of its alumni and the strengthened partnerships between local schools and businesses.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the program has expanded its reach to include students from seven school districts: Aurora, Hurley, Mt. Vernon, Monett, Pierce City, Wheaton and Verona. Over the past decade, 13 school districts have been part of GO CAPS, as well as students from home school programs and private schools in the area. This diverse representation ensures a rich learning environment where students can share perspectives and experiences from their respective communities.
As the program continues to grow, registration is now open for the 2025-2026 school year. Prospective students can choose from four specialized strands, with two offerings within the Medicine & Healthcare course:
• Agri-Business and Food Systems: Focusing on modern agricultural practices, food production, and sustainable farming techniques;
• Global Business & Entrepreneurism: Developing business acumen and entrepreneurial skills in a global context;
• Healthcare & Emergency Services: Students receive EMT certification training while exploring healthcare fields;
• Medicine & Healthcare: Preparing students for careers in various healthcare fields through hands-on experience;
• Teacher Education: Training the next generation of educators through practical classroom experience.
Each strand offers immersive, real-world learning experiences that prepare students for future careers while maintaining strong connections to community needs and development.
Students interested in joining the GO CAPS program for the 2025-2026 school year are encouraged to contact their school counselors for registration information and program details, or visit their student-built website at www.gocapsmonett.com.