A capstone component of Trinity-Pawling’s Practicum for Civic Leadership, the Senior Independent Project begins during the summer before senior year. Before departing for summer break, each rising senior selects an independent area of interest to pursue, whereby, he is linked with an alumnus or friend of the School with the same or similar interest. With their mentors, seniors explore their specific topics in greater detail. The independent projects culminate with each senior creating a product that reflects his learning and a presentation to a select group of faculty members.
Project mentors are mostly alumni, although parents and friends of the School are also included. Students will be matched with mentors across the country and around the world who have similar interests in a student’s intended area of research. Mentors may provide advice and relay personal experience from their own career or avocation to help students hone their own unique set of skills. Every student has the opportunity to develop his own set of questions related to his area of research to help drive the conversation and collaboration with his mentor.
Seniors are currently completing their 2016 independent projects, which include a diverse array of initiatives – a fashion look book, lobbying to re-write a state law, and rebuilding an automotive engine – just to name a few. Through these projects, students are gaining a better sense of who they are and where they stand in the midst of an ever-changing world. The independent projects allow students to explore their passions, figure out how they relate to others, and create an artifact of their experience. This program encourages our students to be engaged, interested, and aware citizens of the world.
Stay tuned for spotlights on individual student projects in the coming months.
Listen to Headmaster Bill Taylor speak about the value of Trinity-Pawling’s Senior Independent Project.