The Four Different Capstone Experiences:
Internship, Community Service, Research Project and Research Paper
Please find information below about the different types of experiences that you can pursue! If you are feeling stuck as to where you should start or what to say in an email to a potential site, please visit the "Resources and Helpful Tips" page. This is also where you'll find a list of sites who have previously hosted Capstone students. We also have a Capstone FAQ document on the main page that answers a lot of your questions.
Community Service
Community Service is where you work with a non-profit or volunteer organization. Community service can also be donating time to an organization not related to your future plans. You must spend at least half of your hours on site in direct contact with the organization. Past sites include Lowell Humane Society, Bridges by EPOCH, Habitat for Humanity, Westford Academy music, and Westford Youth Basketball Association.
Internship
An Internship requires you to be on site for thirty hours a week working in your potential future field. You will work under the supervision of an employee for that business and will learn on-the-job training. Past sites include the Westford Public Schools, ProSports, Whole Foods and Frontline Productions.
Research Paper or Research Project
A research project involves conducting research that results in a concrete, finished product. This product is on display at the Exhibition. Past research projects include creating a kinetic sculpture, 3D golf disc map, and a portable UV hand sanitizer.
A research paper requires the student to research an area of academic or career interest. The final product is a 20 page research paper written in MLA or APA format with a minimum of 15 sources. The students must also produce a visual for the Exhibition.
Please visit the Community Service page for assignments.
Please visit the Internship Page for assignments.
Please visit the Research Paper or Research Project Page for assignments. If you are proposing to conduct research with students, please consult with the Internal Review Board guidelines.