1. Investigation: Students identify their interests, skills and talents to be used in considering opportunities for CAS, as well as areas for personal growth and development. Students investigate what they want to do and determine the purpose for their CAS experience or project. In the case of service, students identify an authentic need they want to address.

2. Preparation: Students clarify roles and responsibilities, develop a plan of action to be taken, identify specific resources and timelines, and acquire any skills as needed to engage in the CAS experience or project.

3. Action: Students implement their idea or plan. This often requires decision-making and problem solving. Students may work individually for CAS experiences, with partners, or in groups (a requirement for the CAS Project).

4. Reflection: Students PROCESS what happened, express feelings, generate ideas, and raise questions. Reflection can occur at any time during CAS to further understanding, to assist with revising plans, to learn from the experience, and to make explicit connections between their growth, accomplishments, and the learning outcomes for personal awareness. Reflection may lead to new action.

5. Demonstration: Students make explicit what and how they learned and what they have accomplished. Through demonstration and communication, students solidify their understanding and evoke response from others.