Overview

Planning for Senior Projects begins in fall, when seniors meet in small groups with Catlin Gabel alumni and parent volunteer “connectors” to explore ideas and make connections with possible projects in the Portland metro area. In addition, seniors learn how to craft professional online identities and professional networks, while also developing compelling resumes and learning professional communication etiquette. The onus is on students to seek out a professional mentor and organization to work with throughout the Senior Project period.

 

Senior Projects run May 7 - June 1, 2018. Throughout this time, seniors are expected to work 30 hours per week with their on-site mentor at their chosen organization. Students will share their experiences with the Catlin Gabel community through required blog posts throughout their time off campus. Seniors will be supervised by both an on-site mentor and a faculty project advisor.

 

 

 

There are five broad categories of Senior Projects:

  1. Passion project - A project that stems purely from student intrigue, not career prospects, and is firmly connected to a student’s talents, interests, and identity
  2. Career exploration/internship - A project that allows students to shadow or contribute to a career field of interest to them
  3. Community engagement- A project that allows students to partner with a local organization to work towards progress on issues that matter to them
  4. Research - A project that allows students to contribute to the existing body of knowledge while honing specialized research skills in a laboratory, educational institution, or field experience
  5. Social impact - A project based in a local challenge or need. Students become experts on an issue, locate and partner with individuals or organizations, and create a useful, lasting resource to address this challenge or need.

We recognize that these categories may seem artificial as many categories overlap (i.e. students should probably choose a career they are passionate about and social impact and community engagement work make for amazing careers). These groupings are simply a tool for students to think about the different types of Senior Project opportunities available.