This thought provoking and rich conversation features Diane Tavenner - education entrepreneur and visionary. Corey and Diane reveal their kindred spirits as they both talk about their work in helping young people find their purpose. Diane shares reflections on her time with Summit Public Schools and Summit Learning and forecasts the future of education with AI, a shift away from "college for all," and the opportunities for support student self-discovery and career exploration.

Learn more about Diane here.

Learn more about Summit Public Schools here.

Listen to Diane's podcast, Class Disrupted, co-hosted with Michael Horn here.

Read Diane's Book, "Prepared: What Kids Need for For a Fulfilled Life" here.

The Network is all about discovering the CAPS Model. The CAPS Network is a 501(c)3 supporting over 130 programs, in 20+ states and 4 countries. CAPS reimagines education to be a learner centered, profession based experience that catapults young people into passion and purpose. CAPS is going where students lead.

Find us!
Twitter: @capsnet
LinkedIn: CAPS Network
Facebook: CAPS Network
Instagram: @capsnetwork

In this episode of The Network, we sit down with Deonne Christensen, CEO of Mazuma Credit Union, to explore how a spark of partnership can grow into something much bigger. Deonne and Corey share the story of Mazuma’s long-standing relationship with CAPS programs across the Kansas City metro—and how that collaboration has become a true wildfire of opportunity for students, educators, and industry partners alike.

In Mazuma’s robust internship experiences students jump into meaningful projects, build real confidence, and get a firsthand look at what a supportive, people-centered workplace can look like. Deonne also talks about why durable skills like communication, adaptability, collaboration, problem-solving are not just “nice to have,” but absolutely essential in today’s workforce.

The Network is all about discovering the CAPS Model. The CAPS Network is a 501(c)3 supporting over 130 programs, in 20+ states and 4 countries. CAPS reimagines education to be a learner centered, profession based experience that catapults young people into passion and purpose. CAPS is going where students lead.

Find us!
Twitter: @capsnet
LinkedIn: CAPS Network
Facebook: CAPS Network
Instagram: @capsnetwork

In this episode, we talk with Jeremy Smith, founder of Pega6, a new alternative to traditional higher education for students pursuing software development and product management careers. Built on experiential learning—much like the CAPS model—Pega6 skips the lectures and accelerates students into real-world work.

Jeremy shares how Blue Valley CAPS became the proving ground for Pega6, with students helping beta test and shape the curriculum. He also dives into the new era of hands-on, tech-driven learning means for young people.

Find out more about Pega6: https://www.pega6.com/

Connect with Jeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyasmith/

The Network is all about discovering the CAPS Model. The CAPS Network is a 501(c)3 supporting over 130 programs, in 20+ states and 4 countries. CAPS reimagines education to be a learner centered, profession based experience that catapults young people into passion and purpose. CAPS is going where students lead.

Find us!
Twitter: @capsnet
LinkedIn: CAPS Network
Facebook: CAPS Network
Instagram: @capsnetwork