MoCo CAP, short for Montgomery County Career Advisory Program, is a collaborative effort headed by WorkSource Montgomery, along with partners Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Montgomery College, and the Universities at Shady Grove. The goal is to address the College and Career Readiness pillar laid out by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation. 

This multi-phase program will ultimately work with the nearly 90,000 MCPS students in grades 6 through 12 to equip them to meet the required standards. They will explore their skills, interests, and values in order to pursue a more intentional life after graduation.

To achieve these goals, MoCo CAP Career Coaches are placed in every MCPS middle, high, and special school throughout the county. Working closely with MCPS educators’ ongoing efforts in the classroom, these Career Coaches aid students with personalized career advising as they learn to advocate for themselves and explore diverse areas of interest. Coaches also help students navigate post-graduate options, including attending a 2- to 4-year traditional college or vocational school, beginning an apprenticeship, pursuing military service, or other career pathways.

What does MoCo CAP Mean for employers?

One of MoCo CAP’s goals is to close the skills gap between employers and employees in Montgomery County. Career Coaches will help students connect their education and the world of work, as well as present more opportunities for students to get training and real-world experience.

Employers can collaborate in a variety of ways to aid students:

• Participate in virtual info sessions
• Act as guest speakers
• Support career fairs & networking events
• Offer workshops & training sessions
• Sponsor various opportunities
• Host mentorship, internship, or apprenticeship programs

Working with MoCo CAP offers not only more opportunities for students, but also for employers, including:

• Exposing a pool of potential future employees to new career options and nuting talent aligned with your specific business needs
• Displaying and expanding corporate social responsibility by contributing to education and skill development
• Exposing your business and brand to the MoCo community at-large, including students, families, educators, etc.
• Building relationships with educational institutions, potential partners, and other businesses supporting the program
• Collaborating with students to foster a culture of innovation with fresh perspective

For more information, contact mococapindustry@worksourcemontgomery.com or visit the MoCo CAP website.