Ninth Grade Capstone Project

Ninth Grade Capstone Project:
Real-World Partnerships Challenge Students

Fenn’s year-long capstone project is a highlight of the ninth grade year. Integrating content and skills from various disciplines, it is a culmination of students' exploration of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals focusing on human and environmental challenges.

Central to the student experience are meaningful relationships forged with area non-profits whose missions align with specific Sustainable Development Goals. Groups of 4-5 students are assigned specific non-profit organizations with whom they will partner to deeply understand and brainstorm innovative solutions to real-world challenges facing the organizations.

Throughout the process, students are challenged to think deeply about their identity, embrace systems thinking, and delve into readings associated with the one UN sustainability goal on which they are focusing.

Three essential questions guided their exploration and research:

  • How does my identity impact my perspective and actions, and what is/should be my role as a global/local citizen?

  • How do I engage in an imperfect world?

  • How do I understand and approach systemic problems and create actionable solutions?

Non-profit partners for the 2023-2024 school year included Boston Area Gleaners, Concord Prison Outreach, Eastie Farm, Immigrant Family Services Institute, and Mass Audubon, and the slate of partners will evolve from year to year.