Purpose:

The purpose of the culminating project is to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate and communicate to others that they can design his/her own learning experiences, use knowledge and skills to solve problems, and independently manage a complex, multi-stage project.

Product:

• Can be an academic paper, performance, create a useful product, help an existing organization, influence public policy, etc.
• Must incorporate new learning, problem solving skills, analytical, logical, and creative thinking

Community Connections:

• Student must complete at least 10 unpaid hours of Community Connection service outside of the school day. It should be related to his career pathway and incorporate at least two of the four criteria: involves formal instruction from a professional, provides a community service, involves future employment, or represents a unique personal challenge.
• A mentor from the community with expertise in the project area will be chosen by the student. They will meet or have contact with the student at least four times.
• The student’s advisor will assume the role of a supervisor. They will help the student stay on track and check his/her progress.

Presentation:

• Oral presentation lasting at least 10-15 minutes that includes a visual component (such as PowerPoint presentation, demonstration, poster, etc)
• Student Portfolio
• Documentation of Project (can be a log, journal, or video)
• Reflection Paper (What was learned)
• Community Connection Documentation

Culminating Project Documents: