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Capstone project launchpad
  • Computer Science
    &
    AI
  • HEALTH
    MEDICINE
  • BUSINESS
    ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • Science technology
    STEM
    engineering math
  • humanities
    language
    writing
    art
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Inception of the Project

Poverty often stems from financial mismanagement. A Java-based app to track income and expenses can empower low-income households, supporting SDG 1’s goal of poverty reduction.

Log File (Step-by-Step Project Guide)

  • Research financial challenges: Contact a local nonprofit (with a teacher’s help) to learn about budgeting needs. List 10–15 financial tracking features (e.g., expense categories).
  • Set up Java: Install Java and Eclipse IDE (free). Follow a Java GUI tutorial.
  • Design the app: Plan a desktop app to track income and expenses (e.g., “Dallas Budget Helper”). Sketch the layout with input forms and graphs.
  • Code the app: Use JavaFX for the GUI and SQLite for data storage. Add JFreeChart for visualizations. Test on a computer.
  • Test with users: Share the app with classmates or a community group. Ask if it’s user-friendly and effective. Fix issues like unclear graphs.
  • Share with the community: Distribute the app to a nonprofit via Google Drive. Include a user guide.

Volunteer/Service Opportunity

Publication/Research Journal/Clubs

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Inception of the Project

Nutrition impacts poverty. A community nutrition program to educate low-income families on affordable healthy eating can improve well-being, aligning with SDG 1’s goal.

Log File (Step-by-Step Project Guide)

  • Research nutrition needs: Read about dietary challenges on WHO.int. Ask a local clinic (with adult help) about community needs.
  • Plan the program: Plan a program with 3–5 workshops or flyers on affordable nutrition (e.g., budget-friendly meals). Outline content on paper.
  • Create materials: Use Canva to design flyers or presentations. Ask a teacher for feedback.
  • Add translations: Include a flyer in Spanish using Google Translate . Ask a native speaker to check accuracy.
  • Share the program: Distribute flyers at a community center or host workshops with school permission.
  • Get feedback: Use a Google Form to ask participants if the program was helpful. Use feedback to improve.

Volunteer/Service Opportunity

  • Volunteer at North Texas Food Bank to support nutrition programs.
  • Assist at Dallas Life to distribute nutrition guides.
  • Help at United Way Dallas to promote community health.

Publication/Research Journal/Clubs

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Inception of the Project

Microfinance can empower low-income communities. A business plan for a microfinance initiative can provide small loans, aligning with SDG 1’s goal of poverty reduction.

Log File (Step-by-Step Project Guide)

  • Research microfinance: Learn about microloans on WorldBank.org . Talk to a local nonprofit (with adult supervision) about financial needs.
  • Plan the business: Create a plan for a microfinance program with 3–5 goals (e.g., loan accessibility). Outline the plan on paper.
  • Create materials: Use Canva to design a business plan or pitch deck, including budget and impact. Keep it professional.
  • Find mentors: Ask local entrepreneurs (with adult help) to review the plan. Get permission from a school to present it.
  • Test the plan: Share the plan with a school club or nonprofit. Ask if it’s feasible and impactful. Adjust based on feedback.
  • Share with the community: Present the plan to a local organization via Google Drive .

Volunteer/Service Opportunity

Publication/Research Journal/Clubs

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Inception of the Project

Clean water reduces poverty-related health issues. A low-cost water filter using fluid dynamics can provide safe drinking water, aligning with SDG 1’s goal.

Log File (Step-by-Step Project Guide)

  • Research water purification: Learn about filtration methods on EPA.gov . Contact a local nonprofit (with adult help) about water needs.
  • Plan the filter: Design a water filter using physics principles (e.g., fluid flow). Sketch the setup, including sand and charcoal layers.
  • Simulate the design Use PhET Simulations to model fluid dynamics. Test filtration efficiency.
  • Test the model: Validate the simulation with sample data (e.g., water purity levels). Ask a teacher if the design is feasible.
  • Improve the design: Adjust based on feedback, optimizing flow rate or materials. Ensure it’s practical for communities.
  • Share with the community: Share the design with a nonprofit via Google Drive Google Drive.

Volunteer/Service Opportunity

Publication/Research Journal/Clubs

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Inception of the Project

Raising awareness about poverty can drive action. A blog series on poverty reduction strategies can engage communities, aligning with SDG 1’s goal.

Log File (Step-by-Step Project Guide)

  • Research poverty issues : Read about poverty solutions on UN.org . Interview a local nonprofit leader (with adult supervision) about community needs.
  • Plan the blogs : Plan a series of 3–5 blog posts on poverty topics, like economic empowerment. Outline each post’s argument on paper.
  • Write the blogs : Use Google Docs to write the posts, ensuring clarity and impact. Ask a teacher for feedback.
  • Add translations : Translate one post into Spanish using Google Translate . Ask a native speaker to check accuracy.
  • Share the blogs : Publish on a school website or community platform. Get permission from a school or nonprofit.
  • Get feedback : Ask readers to fill out a Google Form about the blogs’ impact. Use feedback to revise.

Volunteer/Service Opportunity

Publication/Research Journal/Clubs

  • Publish in Dallas Voyage to share filter design insights.
  • Submit a research paper to Journal of Young Investigators.
  • Start a Poverty Advocacy Writing club to promote the blogs and support STEM water filter initiatives.