The Pacific Education Institute has developed a framework for working with students on environmental senior culminating projects throughout Washington State.
Learn More About Senior Culminating Projects
PEI's Role with Students
PEI connects students to Senior Culminating Project (SCP) opportunities throughout Washington State that get them working outdoors and helping the environment. Projects range from collecting data or research or restoring natural areas to creating public outreach products such as brochures and videos.
- See examples of student SCP products
- Request information about SCP opportunities in your region
- Fill out a SCP application
PEI's Role with Mentors
PEI has created a collection of resources and tools to facilitate Senior Culminating Projects related to natural resources and the environment. Through the PEI Senior Culminating Projects Mentor Training Workshop, agencies, organizations or businesses attending will learn how to maximize the benefits of Senior Culminating Projects for both students and projects. Participants will also receive valuable tips concerning project structure, recruiting and working with students.
PEI's Role with Teachers
PEI connects educators with natural resource professionals and opportunities for the classroom that can naturally lead to environmentally oriented senior culminating projects.
- Request information about opportunities for students in your area
- Learn more about PEI's role with teachers
Public Outreach Senior Culminating Project Example
While working with PEI and TV Washington on his senior project, Nick Anderson (Gig Harbor High School) created a video informing his peers about the environmental impacts of their everyday choices while empowering them to make a difference.
Natural Area/Restoration Senior Culminating Project
Students worked with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Pacific Education Institute, and the Puget Sound Action Team to research, design, and install two native plant rain gardens on the Capital High School campus in Olympia. Plants and equipment were funded by a grant received by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. See photos and read more.
Research-Related Senior Culminating Project Example
Students worked with the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to research the public perception and use of Capital Forest, in the Black Hills outside of Olympia. Students conducted public interest surveys and investigated the forest, looking at factors such as recreation, wildlife and forestry. Students compiled their findings and presented their recommendations for enhancing nature tourism in Capital Forest to the WDNR’s Capital Forest Managers and the PEI Board of Directors. See student report.
Senior Culminating Projects Report
To see more exemplary examples of student work with the Pacific Education Institute's Plan and trained mentors, see PEI's Senior Culminating Projects report, Planting the Seeds.