Capstone Internship

The Adirondack Semester concludes with the Capstone Internship (CI). The CI has been designed as a culminating experience. It provides an opportunity for students to personalize their learning and explore and expand upon ideas introduced during the semester, thereby deepening their Adirondack sense of place and connection to the region. The CI consists of two distinct components: a Work Placement and Homestay. With the guidance of an Assistant Director, each student is responsible for organizing the details of their individualized Work Placement and Homestay. These details will be summarized in a Proposal. Outside of their Work Placement, students are asked to complete two assignments: a tangible Project and Daily Essays. At the conclusion of the Capstone Internship, each student will display their Project and give a Final Presentation. The Proposal, Project, Daily Essays, and Final Presentation will all be graded.

The four objectives of the Capstone Internship are:

Direct Experience
Students will seek first-hand experiences with individuals and organizations whose work is connected with the Adirondacks or nature. These experiences will build upon their coursework from the semester.

Focused Reflection
Students will engage in daily reflection about their CI experiences and the relationship of these to the Semester. Students will take the time to reflect critically upon the Semester as a whole.

Synthesis
Students will integrate their academic coursework and experiences as they make connections and expand their understanding through daily written reflection. They will give a final presentation of learning that summarizes and interrelates their courses, Semester living experience, and CI work.

Transference
Students will begin to envision how, after the end of the semester, they will apply what they have learned during the Adirondack Semester.