Investing in the Future: Reflecting on Another Successful Tri-District CAPS Internship Experience at Rihm

At Rihm Family Companies, we invest in the future of our industry and our communities.  One of my favorite ways we do that each year is through our partnership with the Tri-District CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) program.

Since 2020, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a mentor and host high school student interns through CAPS.  Each year I’m reminded that talent development doesn’t start after graduation, it starts when we create opportunities for students to explore, contribute, and grow while they’re still figuring out who they are and what next steps look like for them.

As another internship season came to a close this spring, we had the opportunity to welcome two Business Marketing interns to Rihm Family Companies: Adonis McDonald and Haley Rohrer.

What is Tri-District CAPS?

Tri-District CAPS is a collaborative program between South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, and West St. Paul–Mendota Heights–Eagan school districts that gives high school students immersive, real-world career experiences.

Unlike a traditional internship, students spend an entire semester preparing through career-focused coursework, professional skills development, and hands-on projects before stepping into a business environment.  By the time they begin their internships, they’ve already built foundational experience in communication, collaboration, problem solving, and professionalism.

The goal is simple, but powerful: help students connect their interests and strengths to meaningful career experiences while preparing them to succeed in whatever comes next.

For businesses, it creates an opportunity to invest in future talent, support workforce development, and bring fresh perspectives into our organizations.

Looking Back

Adonis and Haley spent the spring working alongside our marketing team and supporting projects across the business.

Watching students grow in confidence, contribute ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and see their work come to life is one of the most rewarding parts of participating in this program.

Thank you, Adonis and Haley, for your time, energy, and perspectives at Rihm this spring!