Over 2,500 schools participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program, a project-based learning experience valued by colleges and universities in the United States and around the world.

At Trinity, 12 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma™ in the 2023-24 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills essential for academic success.

(Alphabetical order)

• Richard Allen ’25

• George Biggs ’25

• Jason Bui ’25

• Max Camomot ’25

• Liam Cantin ’25

• Emerson Cardoza 24

• Rilon Craddock ’25

• Hayden Deitz ’25

• Joseph Geddie ’25

• John Gorski ’25

• Charles Hafendorfer ’25

• Trevor Thornberry ’25

“We are proud of the accomplishments of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said Dr. Dan Zoeller H’07. “With the help of dedicated teachers, our AP Capstone students were able to explore their passions through scientific research as part of a high-impact, multi-year program. This meaningful college prep program will continue to benefit our students long after high school.”

To earn the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn a score of 3 or higher on AP Seminar, AP Research, and four other AP® exams of their choice. To earn the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn a score of 3 or higher on AP Seminar and AP Research. Student participation in the AP Capstone program has steadily increased. In the 2023-24 school year, over 100,000 students participated at over 2,500 schools worldwide. Approximately 21,000 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma and 11,100 students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

Unlike traditional AP Subject Exams with a single assessment at the end of the year, AP Seminar and AP Research assessments are project-based and evaluate mastery of skills through group projects, presentations, and individual essays written throughout the year. Rather than focusing on a specific academic discipline, AP Seminar and AP Research are interdisciplinary: Students are encouraged to create research projects on topics of their personal interest. Students are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills they need to complete their projects.

“We’ve seen students develop a new passion for learning through the AP Capstone program,” said Bianca Peart, global director of the AP Capstone Diploma program. “Under the guidance of talented educators, students develop important skills for college and career readiness while exploring subjects that are meaningful to them.”

“Congratulations to the thousands of students who have worked so hard to earn AP Capstone Diplomas and AP Seminar and Research Certificates,” said Trevor Packer, director of the Advanced Placement® program. “These students are setting the stage for their future academic and professional careers by learning sought-after skills in project management, presentation, collaboration and research.”

The College Board’s Advanced Placement® (AP®) Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still attending high school. A score of 3 or higher on an AP exam has several benefits for students, including college credit, higher placement in college courses, or both, saving them time and money. Research shows that AP students are better prepared for college and are more likely to enroll and stay in college, do well in classes, and graduate on time. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers to ensure that AP exams meet their high standards.

In collaboration with the higher education community, the College Board has developed AP Capstone courses to help students build and master skills essential for college and career success.

“What makes the AP Capstone program a groundbreaking educational experience is its emphasis on the holistic development of inquiry and expression skills that are essential for success and persistence in college, the workplace, and everyday life,” said Dr. Gregory Taylor, associate provost for academic affairs at Purchase College, SUNY.