Santa Susana High School
Capstone Project & Certification
What is Certification?
Certification is the the result of completing the required classes in a pathway for special acknowledgement at the end of senior year. In order to certify in your Academy, you may need to complete a Capstone Project, which is effectively the last step in a four-year process.
Pathway Certification and Capstone Projects are not graduation requirements. Requirements may change, so it’s important to stay informed. Planning ahead now will help you stay on track and avoid surprises senior year.
There are different levels of certification with various requirements:
- Recognition
- Honors
- High Honors
You are welcome to complete a Capstone Project even if you do not plan on certifying, however, you will still be asked to meet expectations and deadlines.
How do I know what my Certification Requirements are?
It depends on your pathway. Click on the links below to find your requirements:
- School of Letters and Sciences
- School of Visual and Performing Arts
- School of Digital Arts and Technology
What is a Capstone Project anyway?
After reviewing your pathway certification requirements and determining whether you need a project, you are ready to begin next steps. Identify a mentor, discuss your project idea, complete the required forms (attached below in Ready to Get Started section), and submit your application proposal. Before committing to a Capstone Project, understand that it consists of:
(a) a project of your choice that showcases an area of interest in which you will research and develop a plan to showcase the knowledge and skills and extends your learning beyond the SSHS classroom. Every SSHS senior is invited to complete a senior project that demonstrates the core values of Santa Susana High School: scholarship, skill, honor, and service.
(b) a process paper, which includes information about you personally, the project you completed, why you chose that project, how you gained the knowledge and skills required for the project (research), and what you learned by completing the project.
(c) a formal presentation to share with students and panelists which summarizes the key points of your project's process (even if the final product is not complete).
All Capstone Projects should fulfill a minimum of 25 hours of work outside classroom requirements. Students may be eligible to earn 5 credits on their transcript for the completion of additional hours.
How will my Project be scored?
The Capstone Project will be assessed by the SSHS faculty and/or community members during a presentation in March of Senior Year. Participating seniors will be provided a rubric prior to completing presentations.
Ready to get started?
You can officially get started as early as Junior Year!
- Review your pathway requirements for eligibility & check in with your pathway advisor with eligibility questions.
- If a project is required, find a mentor and share your project idea.
- Complete the Mentor Commitment Form & Parent Commitment Form
- Attach both Commitment Forms to your Proposal Application by posted deadline of senior year.
- Join the Google Classroom by reaching out to Mrs. Estrada to stay in the loop on important meetings & updates!
Exemplary Capstone Projects:
Process Papers:
Digital Websites (no longer required):
Ready to certify?
You must apply! Students who have completed required coursework and/or a Capstone Project may be eligible candidates for academy certification.
Certification is due early May of senior year. Keep an eye out for correspondence with instructions on certification!
Contact
- Mrs. Estrada, Faculty Advisor
- Mrs. Barsano, Supporting Teacher
- Mrs. Pemberton, Supporting Administrator
Timeline of Events
- Spring of Junior Year: Decide on project idea, find a mentor, and prepare for senior year!
- September of Senior Year: Project Proposal Application & Mentor Commitment Form Due if not already submitted
- October-February of Senior Year: Student Progress Check-ins with Mentor & Advisor
- March of Senior Year: Capstone Process Paper due & Project Presentation Day
- May of Senior Year: Certification Application Deadline
Important Definitions
School - There are three schools at SSHS (School of Letters & Sciences; School of Digital Arts & Technology; School of Visual & Performing Arts) used to organize all of our academics.
Academy - an emphasis within a school.
Pathway - a sequence of classes for each academy that lead to certification.
Certification - the result of completing the required classes in a pathway and completing a Capstone Project.
Advisor - a SSHS faculty member who guides a student through the technical process of certification such as completing paperwork, meeting deadlines, and helps in project ideas.
Mentor - an adult, either on campus or off, who is an expert in the area of your project. This person provides expertise and guidance.