Community access to resources – A lack of access to resources is a problem faced by many communities. For their capstone project, students could research the resources needed by a specific local community and develop solutions to improve access. For example, they could analyze transportation options and propose routes to improve mobility, or identify gaps in access to healthcare and develop partnerships with local clinics. This type of project directly tackles real barriers faced by real people.
Environmental sustainability – Issues surrounding environmental sustainability and promoting green practices are very relevant today. Students could research sustainability practices on their campus or in their city and propose initiatives to reduce waste, pollution, or carbon emissions. Examples may include conducting an audit of a building’s energy usage and developing recommendations for upgrading systems to be more efficient, or creating an educational campaign to promote recycling or alternative forms of transportation among the campus or local community. Addressing environmental challenges provides tangible benefits.
Supporting vulnerable populations – Many communities struggle to meet the needs of vulnerable groups such as low-income families, the elderly, people with disabilities, etc. For their capstone, students could partner with a local organization that supports one of these populations to identify unmet needs and develop programs or services to have a meaningful positive impact. For example, students may create an app or website to help homebound seniors schedule rides to medical appointments or facilitate check-ins, or they could implement an after-school tutoring program for low-income elementary school children. Projects like these directly serve those in need.
Improving public/civic engagement – Getting community members more civically involved and participating in community decision making is important for strong, vibrant communities. Students could analyze voter turnout, volunteer rates, or civic group membership in their city and develop strategies to increase participation, such as creating a bike-based get-out-the-vote effort or holding civic forums/meetings in more neighborhood locations. The goal would be empowering community voices and strengthening civic discourse.
Bridging cultural understanding – In diverse communities, greater cultural understanding can help foster togetherness and equality. As their capstone, students may organize cultural exchange events, workplace cultural sensitivity training sessions, or cross-cultural mentoring programs between local schools. They could also research how two specific cultural groups interact to identify tensions and develop recommendations for improvement, such as through community mediation. Projects that facilitate cultural appreciation and inclusion can make real impacts.
Leveraging technology for social good – Technology continues to rapidly change the world, and students can leverage new technologies to address social issues. For example, they could build a mobile app to connect volunteers with local non-profits needing assistance, create an online platform for reporting uncared for neighborhood properties like overgrown lots to the city, or develop an online job training and placement program for unemployed young adults. Harnessing technology opens up many possibilities for driving positive change.
Public health initiatives – Promoting good public health is crucial. Students could assess a community’s nutrition and exercise levels to identify at-risk groups and plan interventions like community gardens or walking groups. Or they may conduct research on a serious local health issue like opioid abuse and propose evidence-based prevention and treatment programs. Public health focused projects aim to tackle critical needs and improve residents’ well-being.
The key aspects of a successful capstone project are that it addresses an authentic problem or need, provides tangible benefits, and involves active partnership with community stakeholders. The examples outlined here represent just a sampling of the meaningful, impactful projects students could undertake that have real world applications. By choosing to take on an issue they’re passionate about and that affects real people, students can create capstones that drive positive change and make a difference.