Passion Projects

The breadth of student projects is one of the program’s defining strengths. Because students begin with their own interests, the final work spans disciplines, formats, and purposes. Some projects are artistic. Some are technical. Some are rooted in service. Others are tied to future academic or career aspirations.

Recent Student Passion Projects have included:

• learning American Sign Language and using it to communicate with children
• composing and performing music on guitar or ukulele
• launching a cookie company tied to charitable giving
• building a community service website with local opportunities and hour tracking
• analyzing ski trail data and environmental conditions
• creating animation and graphic design projects
• designing and building a functional myoelectric hand

Having regular check-ins throughout the Passion Project process keeps you focused on what you’re doing. Through that process, I ended up creating my own hand – a prosthetic hand.” – Andreas Visan ’26

As the program has evolved, mentorship has become an important part of the process. Students are encouraged to connect with teachers, coaches, alumni, family members, and other knowledgeable mentors who can help guide work in specialized areas. That support helps students pursue projects that extend well beyond the expertise of a single classroom teacher and reflects the collaborative spirit behind the program.

The project also teaches students how to manage a long-term process. They learn to plan, troubleshoot, revise, and stay committed over time. That combination of independence and accountability helps students build habits that matter well beyond one course or one school year.

 

In the past, students have learned how to play instruments and speak other languages. They have learned construction and created tables, bird houses, guitars, skis, and more. Students have also written books, poems, code and photographic reflections.” – Stephanie Choate, English Department Chair

The Passion Project culminates in the annual Passion Project Museum, where students share their work with fellow students and faculty. Held during the school day, the showcase invites the Austin Prep community to experience the range of student thinking, creativity, and effort on display. It also gives younger students a glimpse of what their own future projects might become.

That public presentation reinforces an important idea: this is not simply an assignment to complete. It is an opportunity for students to create something meaningful, explain their process, and see their work as part of a larger community of learning.

The Student Passion Project helps students develop skills that carry into college and beyond: initiative, time management, reflection, problem-solving, and the ability to pursue something with purpose. Because each project is personal, the experience also helps students better understand their own interests, strengths, and direction.

Just as importantly, it gives students the chance to do work that is truly their own. In a school environment often shaped by deadlines, exams, and prescribed assignments, the Student Passion Project creates space for curiosity, ownership, and meaningful growth, all central to the kind of education Austin Prep strives to provide.