1. SENIOR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE Global Impact Stem Academy Feb
SENIOR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE Global Impact Stem Academy Feb. 29, 2016 Updated 3/1/17

2. WHAT IS THE SENIOR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE?
Real world experience that allows seniors to exit the classroom to engage in real-world experience for internship, service learning and/or research
Requires students to devote three hours a day, five days a week, for 16 weeks for a total of 240 hours or some similar combination of hours

3. Why is This Required?
Connects the “Why?” of many skills and concepts learned at GISA
Experience hands-on, practical applications in a real-world setting
Can make important networking connections
Try on a career and see if it fits
Bring the high school career to a meaningful conclusion
Can demonstrate development of soft skills
necessary to be successful in the work-force

4. ACCOUNTABILITY
Students will be enrolled in a year long course titled “Senior Capstone Experience”,
Submit an approved project proposal prior to the start of the experience
Senior will complete one assessment, Project Mentor will complete a mid and completion evaluation. Capstone Adviser will make at least one visit
Seniors will defend projects before an
Evaluation Committee

5. ACCOUNTABILITY
AET will be our system to keep track of hours, wages, goals, activities, pictures, etc
The focus of the capstone requirement begins with the students’ interests and is refined as they talk with the Project Mentor and Project Adviser
Students are expected to display their project in the cafeteria during lunch, as well as open houses, exhibition days etc.

6. ACCOUNTABILITY
We will load each senior into a Schoology group called “Senior Capstone Experience”. The Senior Capstone Experience Guidelines and Senior Capstone Experience Rubric will be in the Resources area of the group so students always have access to it. This is also where we notify students of capstone experience opportunities we come across. We also can make these documents available on the GISA web site.

7. WHO MAKES UP EVALUATION COMMITTEE?
Capstone Adviser
Capstone Mentor (if possible)
One teacher selected by the student (if possible) who has made a difference in the GISA experience for the student
One junior and one senior student selected by the student to offer support, see what the Capstone Experience is all about, co-chair the committee
Student’s family is also invited to the defense

8. ITEMS TO KEEP IN MIND
You may have multiple sites to complete your experience (some paid, some volunteer and/or some research)
Mr. Gierke and Dr. Pfister will assist in suggesting site locations but it is your responsibility to secure the position.
Mr. Gierke and Dr. Pfister will assist you in converting a current job into a capstone experience.
There will be some volunteer positions available at Global Impact (ie. Lab Assistant, Tour Coordinator)

9. ITEMS TO KEEP IN MIND
So as not to conflict with the Consortium Summer Internship program many of the Capstone Experience sites will be during the academic year.
Start early in finding your site(s)
Those juniors who still have high school requirements to complete will be taking their high school courses along with Capstone Experience. Others will be taking college courses along with their Capstone Experience. Students MUST be enrolled in at least four courses each semester of the senior year.

10. ITEMS TO KEEP IN MIND
You will need to complete a display for your Capstone Experience that may take the form of a tri-fold with pictures, brochures, power point, video presentation, movie
At the end of the experience you will defend your experience. There will be items you need to address at the defense

11. ITEMS TO KEEP IN MIND
You can start accumulating hours as of July 1, 2017
Your Capstone Experience Proposal and Contract and Signatures must be submitted and approved before you can start accumulating hours
Your display and defense will be expected once you complete your 240 hours so there will be opportunities for presentations throughout the year

12. Questions?
Contact Dr. Jill Pfister or Mr. Collin Gierke (937)