ABOUT CAPS
​
Community Advocates for Parents and Students (CAPS) is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the academic success and long-term well-being of Kalamazoo-area students and families. Founded in 2006 in response to the Kalamazoo Promise, CAPS was created to ensure that student, particularly those facing systemic barriers have access to consistent academic support, caring relationships, and meaningful exposure to post-secondary opportunities.
​
CAPS provides a structured, relationship-based out-of-school-time academic program for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, with continued support available to CAPS scholars during their first year of college when resources allow. Our programming operates during the school year on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings, creating safe, engaging spaces where students can focus, grow, and thrive.
At the heart of CAPS is our belief that academic success is strengthened through relationships. Students are supported by a diverse team of college-aged tutors and caring adults who not only provide academic assistance, but also serve as mentors and role models. Through tutoring, enrichment activities, college exploration, and family-centered engagement, CAPS helps students build confidence, strengthen skills, and envision pathways to their futures.
​
CAPS partners closely with families and the broader community, recognizing that parents and caregivers are essential partners in student success. Our programs are intentionally designed to engage families, reduce barriers to learning, and create a welcoming environment where both students and caregivers feel seen, valued, and supported.
Our work is grounded in equity and driven by outcomes. CAPS scholars consistently report increased academic confidence, improved performance, and stronger aspirations for college and career success. Parents and caregivers share that CAPS has provided not only academic support for their children, but also hope, encouragement, and a trusted community.
​
Together—with families, schools, tutors, and community partners—CAPS is committed to delivering safe, effective programming that centers learning, promotes post-secondary opportunity, and advances educational equity for all students we serve.
​
​
​
Scholar Safety
​
At Community Advocates for Parents and Students (CAPS), the safety and well-being of our scholars is our highest priority. CAPS provides a structured, supervised learning environment where scholars are supported by trained staff and tutors who have completed required background checks and youth development training. Clear attendance, supervision, and arrival and dismissal procedures are in place to ensure accountability and consistency throughout program hours.
​
CAPS is also committed to creating an emotionally safe and respectful space for all scholars. We promote positive relationships, clear behavior expectations, and open communication with families and school partners. Bullying, harassment, and inappropriate behavior are not tolerated, and any safety concerns are addressed promptly with the well-being of scholars at the center of every decision.
CAPS
NEWS
FEED
Community Advocates for Parents and Students (CAPS) will be celebrating 20 Years of pouring into our scholars and families at Interfaith Homes.
​
Please be sure to check our Events page for what's to come!

​