SENIOR PROJECT

Class of 2026, 

It’s the end of your Junior year, and lots of questions are coming up about Senior Projects. Here’s some information for you (and your parents/guardians). 

The CNHS Senior Project is a graduation requirement, but it's really about getting to use what you learn in class for hands-on experiences, by picking projects that fit your interests and what you're good at. Projects aim to foster personal growth and show students how their skills can positively impact their community. These projects are awesome because you get to pick exactly what you want to do – the sky's the limit! Whether it's a cool art project or even starting a club, students have tons of freedom to dive into something they're passionate about. They've done everything from organizing donation drives and 5K races to working with local spots like animal shelters and elementary schools. It's hard to explain just how much freedom you have to make your project truly yours! Projects do NOT have to be a fundraiser or involve money in any way; the majority of projects have little to no money involved at all. Project options can focus on sharing time, talents, and knowledge.

Updates for the 2025-2026 school year (approved May 2024):

The Senior Project's key components include:

Senior Project Coordinators will be available daily to support students throughout the process. Our website has lots of information, instructions, and videos, so be sure to check it all out!

We can’t wait to see what projects you come up with! See you in August and have a great summer!

The Senior Project is a graduation requirement for all students. Projects are based on student's personal interests and their abilities to demonstrate the BCSC Expert Learner Outcomes. Students are encouraged to choose a project of their liking based on their passions and unique skill sets. The goal is that students will grow through the process, and gain an understanding of the relevance of their studies here at North and their connections with the community. 

The skills necessary to complete the project are taught in courses throughout the student's high school experience. The Senior Project is an opportunity for students to apply the skills learned in the classroom to the implementation and completion of their project. The Senior Project Coordinators are here to support students in all components of the Senior Project. 

Scroll down to watch a video all about Senior Projects!

 

Decisions for 24-25 School Year for all BCSC High Schools:

CNHS Senior Projects will be 25 hours

• 20 hours project minimum
• 5 hours total of service learning and/or job shadowing

Senior Project will have 4 Reflection Papers (1 page each) to replace the previously required research paper

• 1 Reflection through the Senior Project Canvas course or the Career Exploration Elective Course
• 3 Reflections through the English Department completed during quarters 1-3.

Senior Project will be streamlined into Junior and Senior Years only

• Cohorts 2025, 2026, and 2027 will be “grandfathered” in and may count service learning and/or job shadowing they have already completed in 9th and/or 10th grade toward their project requirements.

These decisions were made by BCSC Continuous Improvement Council and the Administrative Office Senior Project Committee and made effective in May 2024.

All CNHS Senior Project Forms

The Essential Components:

• Proposal:
  • A detailed plan that articulates the project's objectives, highlighting the benefits for both the student and the community. Proposal Instructions
• Reflection Pieces:
  • Four one-page reflection papers are to be completed during the student's senior year. Two are integrated into the Senior English curriculum, while the other two are self-led and submitted alongside Senior Project materials. Reflection paper instructions will be available through Canvas assignments.
• Project:
  • Students have the freedom to choose projects that are tailored to their interests and their ability to showcase the BCSC Expert Learner Outcomes. Students are encouraged to select a project that aligns with their strengths, passions, and unique skill sets. CNHS has a wide variety of project options and many resources for students.
• E-portfolio:
  • Documenting every stage of the project in chronological order and presenting it in an e-portfolio format.
• Presentation:
  • Each student will showcase their e-portfolios and projects to a panel of teachers and community members for assessment. Presentation Details

All forms, instructions, and detailed information are located on this website. Explore each tab for all the details. If you need any further assistance, please contact Erin Miller or Sarah Dismore via email. Contact info is on the Senior Project Website's main page. 

Senior Project Ideas

What Is a Community Mentor, and Why Do I Need One?

A mentor is someone from the community who has knowledge and experience in your topic area and is willing and able to provide support and guidance throughout your completion of your Senior Project. A mentor is a support person, not an organizer, director, or manager. A mentor is not your parent or anyone that lives with you. You are in the lead!

What your Community Mentor can do for you:

• Help answer questions you may have about the technical aspects of your project
• Give information on how to locate and access available resources
• Give general feedback
• Provide support and encouragement

The student is responsible for:

• Securing an appropriate mentor
• Completing and submitting all required mentor forms
• Being prepared and punctual for all appointments with mentor
• Communicating with mentor, as needed, in a timely manner
• Scheduling and attending a recommended five mentor/student meetings
• Submitting all forms and logs, signed by mentor, in portfolio

The Community Mentor is responsible for:

• Advising and assisting student in the planning and development of his/her project
• Signing forms and logs provided by the student
• Being accessible to the student and available to meet if needed
• Confirming that the student did the project

Community Mentor Details

• Mentor expectations and Student expectations:

• 
  A mentor is someone from the community who has knowledge and experience in your topic area and is willing and able to provide support and guidance throughout your completion of your Senior Project. A mentor is a support person, not an organizer, director, or manager. A mentor is not your parent or anyone that lives with you. You are in the lead!

• 
  What your Community Mentor can do for you:

  • Help answer questions you may have about the technical aspects of your project

  • Give information on how to locate and access available resources

  • Give general feedback

  • Provide support and encouragement

• The student is responsible for:

  • Securing an appropriate mentor

  • Completing and submitting all required mentor forms

  • Being prepared and punctual for all appointments with mentor

  • Communicating with mentor, as needed, in a timely manner

  • Scheduling and attending a recommended five mentor/student meetings

  • Submitting all forms and logs, signed by mentor, in portfolio

• The Community Mentor is responsible for:

  • Advising and assisting student in the planning and development of his/her project

  • Signing forms and logs provided by the student

  • Being accessible to the student to meet up to 5 times

  • Confirming that the student did the project

Forms:

Parent Approval Mentor Form

Community Mentor Form

Community Mentor Final Evaluation

Be Part of the Process: Join the Senior Board Review Panel:

Join us for one of the year's most exciting events! Our seniors are ready to shine at Senior Boards, where they'll present their final projects. We're looking for community members to join our review team and provide feedback. It's a fun and easy way to support our students and be inspired by their creativity and dedication.

Opportunities to serve on the Senior Board Review Panels will be in December 2024 and April 2025. 

Sign up today! CNHS Judge Interest Form