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What is a Capstone Project?

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Capstone projects for high school students can take many different forms, depending on the topics that resonate with you, and what is feasible based on your location and the time you are willing to spend. It is an opportunity for our scholars to go beyond the classroom and work independently or collaboratively, and present a culminating experiment, pursue independent research, engage in debates, and produce a final project, typically during their final year of high school. 

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Dear Scholars,

 

You are about to begin an exciting opportunity as you explore your future and fulfill our project- based learning graduation requirement. This activity is called the Senior Capstone Project. The purpose of the Senior Capstone Project not only gives you the opportunity to convey your passion towards a field of your interest but allows you to demonstrate and hone the skills and talents you have developed during your academic career that can benefit you for the rest of your life. Keep in mind, that taking on such a project requires time, dedication, and patience, while preparing you to explore future career possibilities. Moreover, by committing to this project with enthusiasm and determination, your efforts can go a long way toward increasing your knowledge, impressing colleges, and positively contributing to your community. Good luck!

 

Sincerely,

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Nedlof’s Virtual College Preparatory Academy, Senior Capstone Committee

 

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Brainstorming Topics for Capstone Projects

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You will choose a topic that interests you and will allow you to grow in ways that are exciting and challenging. We hope this will be an extremely relevant activity that will also be a strong addition to your resume. Narrow down topics based on your intended major, career interest, or a problem in your community you would want to tackle. You could even find an academic approach to one of your favorite extracurricular activities such as your coding internship project!

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The Senior Capstone Project has three phases:

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• PHASE I - Introduction/Proposal.

• PHASE II - Project.

• PHASE III - Presentation.

 

Components of the Project

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PHASE I - Introduction/Proposal. You and your parent(s)/guardian(s) will be introduced to the Senior Capstone Project during the second semester of your junior year. Each student will receive the Student Guide identifying the requirements as well as timelines for completing assignments related to the Capstone Project. Students will be working on research and skill development for the project in their World History and English courses. The selection of your topic will be completed by the end of your junior year.

 

PHASE II - Project. To prepare you to be an independent thinker in a global society, you need to be aware of career and social opportunities in your community and beyond. You will be developing a career exploration project based on your identified area of interest that allows you to apply your knowledge and mastery of your research area. Ideally this will lead to greater understanding of the paths available as you begin your post-secondary journey. Your evidence at the conclusion of the career exploration phase should accurately reflect the amount of time and effort you spent. A minimum of 60 verified hours is required in this phase of the Senior Capstone Project.

 

PHASE III - Presentation. You will be delivering an 8-10 minute oral presentation that describes your research and demonstrates your project in order to display your mastery of your chosen subject area. This presentation is done before a review panel, and it is the culminating element to your Senior Capstone Project. This presentation is your chance to demonstrate what you know and what you can do.

 

How Can a Capstone Project Help You in the Admissions Process?

You might be wondering whether conducting capstone projects for high school students helps with your college applications. Colleges appreciate students who are specialized in one or two particular areas. Your capstone project can effectively emphasize your passion for your major or prospective career. If done well, such work can impress admissions officers, as it would show that you aren’t afraid of taking initiative. The Capstone could also help you to earn college credits towards your dual-enrollment.