Culminating Project & Portfolio Guidelines 2014 Beginning with the Class of 2008, Washington graduates must: pass state tests showing achievement in basic skills or complete approved alternatives to those tests, complete a culminating project, satisfy class credit requirements, and craft a high school and beyond plan (5-year plan). Everything you need to know about your senior project!

The Purpose Ensure that students have a plan after high school. Assist students in creating that plan – Job Shadow Provide students with much needed skills to achieve their goals – Presentation (Interview Skills) – Portfolio (Getting the interview)

The Culminating Project Project Plan Portfolio Presentation

Selecting a Project Arts and Communication Business Finance & Operation Business Marketing & Management Science & Engineering Social & Health Service Technology, Trades & Manufacturing The project is designed to give you a sample of what it is like in a career. It will give you a deeper understanding and a different perspective to help you make a more informed choice about your future. Step 1:Think of a career field that you are interested in pursuing Step 2:Consider why you want that career. You should be able to yes to the following questions. 1. Do I have the skills to make me successful in this career? 2. Is this something I can see myself doing for the rest of my life. Step 3:Think of people you know in that career who could be your mentor. ***Some careers will restrict who can job shadow to people 18 and over.

Project/Experience options: Option 1 – Job Shadow (Easiest) The job shadow option requires that the student select a job to shadow that relates to a career goals and a specific career pathway and find someone in the field to observe. The student observes an employee at the work-site to gain valuable career information and may perform some tasks while under supervision. The student must spend a minimum of 15 hours on the actual job.

Option 2 – Original Project (Challenging) The original project option requires that the student select a project that is directly related to the chosen career pathway. The student will create a physical project under the guidance of the mentor. The student will need to produce physical evidence of the project. Physical evidence may include but is not limited to, pictures, video, and actual project. The student must spend a minimum of 15 hours creating the original project.

Option 3 – Internship (Very difficult to get) The internship option requires that the student select an internship that relates to their career goals and a specific career pathway. For a student to be involved in an internship program, they must apply and be accepted by the organization, school, or business offering the internship opportunity. The student must spend a minimum of 15 hours interning.

Choosing a Mentor: Choosing a mentor is one of the most difficult parts about the Senior Project. Don’t wait to the last minute. Find the mentor early. Mentor Requirements Must have at least 4 years of experience in the career field. Cannot be a close relative (parent, sibling, grandparent)

Finding Your Mentor Ask your parents and parents of your close friends if they know someone in that career. Think of people you come in contact with that work in that field. Your orthodontist might be a good person to job shadow in the medical field. Ask your teachers. They may know someone who can help. If you still can’t find someone, come see me or the counseling department. We have list of prior mentors who informed us that they would be willing to serve again.