Research begins at the beginning of the year and continues through the end because the learning never stops. These assessments and topics are all student-led and encourage studying and research as positive things you want to do.

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The assessments are broken up into three different categories: research, interviews, and mentor visits. Each type of assessment contributes to a different aspect of learning.

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The research assessment is the first one done and begins with learning about the job and then meanders into what is relevant to the topic and satiating curiosity. Research can be exciting because students learn what they enjoy which promotes not only knowledge about the field, but also how to effectively conduct and assess research. The research assessments contribute most to the original work.

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The interview assessment is completed due to a student meeting or speaking over the phone with a professional to learn about their job. The assessment is then written to demonstrate how the student plans to use that information in deciding what to research. Interviews can also provide personal insight because a student may learn how they will fit into that field.

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The mentor assessment is completed after a student meets with their mentor. These occur mostly throughout the second semester and contribute to the final product.

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To prepare for all of the research and products, the student makes a topic proposal that demonstrates what and why they are interested in their chosen topic. 

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Throughout the first semester, the original work is the focus. This utilizes all of the research done throughout the first semester and has a goal of impacting the community.

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During the second semester, the final product is the main target. The product is a visual representation of all the information learned over the course of the school year, from research to interviews to mentor visits. This arguably is the most important task in the entire program.