Using CAP for Students’ College Portfolios and Senior Projects A Webinar from Constitutional Rights Foundation Presenters: Gregorio Medina & David De La Torre Guests: Carlos Castillo, Roosevelt High School, Los Angeles Nancy Sanchez, Expanding Horizon Internship Program, CRF

The Civic Action Project Funded by The Annenberg Foundation Practicum for the U.S. Government Course. Five core lessons taught face-to-face. Students choose a policy-related issue/problem to address and do everything they can to make an impact. CAP web site provides additional instruction and resources to support the students. Additional classroom lessons provide specific content and skills.

CAP and Senior Projects

Senior Projects Come in All Shapes and Sizes Organize and implement an event at the feeder elementary, something akin to a carnival in the fall or spring (Harvest Bowl or Spring Fling) with booths, games, and prizes. Write Tech-Thriller Short Story. Develop a website for your school. Build a hovercraft. Work with government officials to enact a no-texting while driving law.

Common Elements of a Senior Project Project Proposal Writing Assignments Minimum Time Requirement (20-30 hours) Evidence (photos, videos, brochures, etc.) A Mentor Student Presentation (oral, media) Portfolio Long-term assignment Real-world application/experience

The CAP Experience Civics/Government Content Issues that Matter to Students Policy ConnectionsCivic Actions Cumulative Presentation of Issue, Actions, & Outcomes & + +

Students are challenged to: Become informed about a public issue or problem. Think critically about the issue or problem. Discover how government makes decisions. Develop a position. Engage in civic dialogue.Build consituencies. Work with others toward a common goal. Apply a variety of writing skills. Advocate for and defend their positions. Meet with community members and public officials. Make decisions.

Carlos Castillo – Roosevelt High School, Los Angeles

Assessment of CAP Sr. Project

 CAP Proposal  Thinking it Through  Civic Actions+  Project Report The CAP Planner

Students Propose an Issue

Students report on their last actions and propose their next, as well as speak to policy connections. Provides teachers with the opportunity to approve or ask for revisions. Makes students connect CAP and content being taught in class. CAP Planner Helps students think more in-depth about their issues. Provides teachers with a tool to assess students’ critical thinking about the issue. Students report on their last civic action and propose their next civic action. Thinking it Through Civic Action+

CAP Culminating Assignment

CAP Senior Project Culmination Event

CAP and the College Application Nancy Sanchez CRF’s Expanding Horizons Internship Program

Recent trend: Colleges across the country are interested in “civic engagement” To Get Into College…Serve. John Kultaen, NCOC Web Site, Dec. 9, 2011 Universities are establishing Offices of Civic Engagement Value students’ service learning, community service, civic participation activities Four-year, Junior, and Community Colleges

Common Categories of College Applications Voluntary Service Extra Curricular Personal Statement “Merit” Scholarships

Using CAP in the Common Application CAP should always be listed here.

Using CAP in the Common Application In addition to including CAP in the extracurricular activities section they can also write about it in one of the following sections: 1) Student have up to 150 words to describe the activity

Using CAP in the Common Application 2) Additional Information Page

Using CAP in the Common Application 3) Personal Statement

Using CAP in the Common Application 4) Teacher Recommendation Letter You can use these questions as a guide for your letter:

Using CAP in the Common Application 5) Supplemental Questions Examples of questions where students can include their CAP experience:

Using CAP in the University of California Application CAP can be listed in the extracurricular activities section and they student can also write about it in one of the following prompts:

Using CAP for Scholarships CAP can also be used to answer essay prompts used for scholarships. The following are examples of questions where students can incorporate their CAP experiences:

Helpful resources The Common Application UC Application Scholarships College Board

CAP Webinar Series Quality Service Learning Through Policy-Based Civic Actions February 16, 2012, 3:30 – 4:15 Pacific Time Using CAP to Teach 21st Century Skills March 15, 2012, 3:30 – 4:15 Pacific Time Register

Gregorio Medina Check out other resources from