Stipends for Cardinal Capstones
The Haas Center for Public Service provides support and funding to students interested in developing capstone projects that connect with the broader community – Cardinal Capstones.
What is a Cardinal Capstone?
A Cardinal Capstone is a project where you apply your academic knowledge to address community needs. In addition to demonstrating the relevance of a course of study to complex social and environmental challenges, Cardinal Capstones provide opportunities to develop your skills in logistics, communication, and intentional application of ethical frameworks.
Available resources include project funding, facilitated workshops, preparation coursework, and assistance in identifying community partners and scoping projects. If you are interested in learning more or have a community-engaged capstone concept you wish to develop further, please review the content below or contact Shoshanah Cohen (course-based projects) or Clayton Hurd (research-based projects) to explore how we can support you.
Cardinal Capstone options
Cardinal Capstones can take many forms—individual or group, creative or analytical—as long as they remain true to the goals of a capstone, include the community partner in critical stages of the project, and produce an output agreed upon with the partner. Like all capstone experiences, they must also meet the requirements of the relevant department or program.
Cardinal Capstones can be completed along the same timeline as other capstones, but often require additional time to build a strong relationship with the community partner. In some cases, building this relationship and defining the project objectives can be done prior to the start of the associated course.
Student project funding
Stipends of up to $300 are available to students undertaking a community-engaged project outside a designated Cardinal Capstone class. Allowable funding categories include project materials, transportation to partner sites, modest honoraria for project partners, and background checks for students working with minors.
Complete the student stipend application
Preparatory coursework for research-based capstones
Preparatory coursework is available for students participating in community-engaged research projects. Note that while these courses are offered through the Urban Studies department, they are appropriate for all majors and courses of study. Contact Clayton Hurd for more information.
Autumn quarter
- URBANST 196: Community Engaged Scholars Program Seminar - 1 unit
Winter quarter
- URBANST 123A: Designing Research for Social Justice: Writing a Community-Based Research Proposal - 3 units
Spring quarter
- URBANST 84: Designing a Community Engaged Capstone or Thesis Project - 1 unit
- URBANST 123B: Community Engaged Research - Principles, Ethics, and Design - 3 units
Community Engaged Scholars Program
The Community Engaged Scholars Program (CESP) is a year-long interdisciplinary cohort-based program for seniors and co-term students undertaking community engaged capstones or thesis projects. Contact Clayton Hurd for more information.
Prepare, Reflect, Engage (PRE) training
Online Prepare, Reflect, Engage training is available through Canvas and helps students understand their positionality as they approach their capstone project. Contact the Community Engaged Learning team to customize the curriculum for your course.