Culminating Project &
Portfolio Guidelines
Beginning with the Class of 2008, Washington
graduates must: pass state tests showing
achievement in basic skills or complete approved
alternatives to those tests, complete a culminating
project, satisfy class credit requirements, and craft
a high school and beyond plan (5-year plan).
2014
Everything you need to
know about your senior
project!
The Purpose
• Ensure that students have a plan after high
school.
• Assist students in creating that plan
– Job Shadow
• Provide students with much needed skills to
achieve their goals
– Presentation (Interview Skills)
– Portfolio (Getting the interview)
The Culminating Project
• Project
• Portfolio
• Plan
• Presentation
Selecting a Project
The project is designed to give you a sample of what it is like in a career. It will give
you a deeper understanding and a different perspective to help you make a more
informed choice about your future.
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Think of a career field that you are interested in pursuing
Consider why you want that career. You should be able to yes to the
following questions.
1. Do I have the skills to make me successful in this career?
2. Is this something I can see myself doing for the rest of my life.
Think of people you know in that career who could be your mentor.
***Some careers will restrict who can job shadow to people 18 and over.
• Arts and Communication
• Business Finance &
Operation
• Business Marketing &
Management
• Science & Engineering
• Social & Health Service
• Technology, Trades &
Manufacturing
Project/Experience options:
Option 1 – Job Shadow (Easiest)
The job shadow option requires that the student
select a job to shadow that relates to a career goals
and a specific career pathway and find someone in
the field to observe. The student observes an
employee at the work-site to gain valuable career
information and may perform some tasks while
under supervision.
The student must spend a minimum of 15 hours on the
actual job.
Option 2 – Original Project
(Challenging)
The original project option requires that the
student select a project that is directly related to
the chosen career pathway. The student will
create a physical project under the guidance of
the mentor. The student will need to produce
physical evidence of the project. Physical
evidence may include but is not limited to,
pictures, video, and actual project.
The student must spend a minimum of 15 hours
creating the original project.
Option 3 – Internship
(Very difficult to get)
The internship option requires that the student
select an internship that relates to their career
goals and a specific career pathway. For a
student to be involved in an internship program,
they must apply and be accepted by the
organization, school, or business offering the
internship opportunity.
The student must spend a minimum of 15 hours
interning.
Choosing a Mentor:
Choosing a mentor is one of the most difficult
parts about the Senior Project. Don’t wait to
the last minute. Find the mentor early.
Mentor Requirements
• Must have at least 4 years of experience in the
career field.
• Cannot be a close relative (parent, sibling,
grandparent)
Finding Your Mentor
• Ask your parents and parents of your close friends if they
know someone in that career.
• Think of people you come in contact with that work in that
field. Your orthodontist might be a good person to job
shadow in the medical field.
• Ask your teachers. They may know someone who can help.
• If you still can’t find someone, come see me or the counseling
department. We have list of prior mentors who informed us
that they would be willing to serve again.