Passion projects are a way for you to explore a subject you care about deeply. They aren’t assigned by a teacher, encouraged by a church, or expected by a parent. Instead, you choose what is important to you and you dive in fully. Whether it’s a cause in which you believe passionately, a skill you’ve always wanted to master, or a subject you want to study more fully, the project is up to you. And some schools now embrace passion projects for what they teach about self-awareness, discipline, and follow-through.
What Are Some Examples of Passion Projects?
Passion projects can range from volunteering in your community to an in-depth study of a single topic. You can create a craft, build a rocket, teach a subject. Choose something that brings you joy. There are endless projects you might imagine. Here are a few examples for inspiration:
- Tutor children in your community
- Volunteer at a senior center
- Build a blog about a topic that interests you and might help others
- Organize a benefit event for a worthy cause
- Make a craft that you can sell to support a charity
- Research a political or humanitarian issue that’s important to you and raise awareness on it
- Lead a group to clean up parks or green spaces near you
- Find a community problem you might help to solve
- Learn how to play an instrument and perform in the community
How Do I Start a Passion Project?
Because you may receive credit for a high school passion project, it’s important to get approval for your vision before you begin. But even before you speak to a teacher or an advisor, conduct some research on what you might want to do. It’s better to have two or three rough ideas before presenting a well-developed proposal. Here’s how to get started:
- Consider Your Passions: What do you truly care about? At the heart of a passion project is the passion you bring to it. Self-reflection is a crucial first step that can open a world of possibilities. Some people wait a lifetime for the opportunity to pursue a passion. You get to do it right now.
- Set Your Goals: Consider the goals you hope to achieve and the experience you want to have. If getting a good grade is on the top of your list, you may have chosen the wrong project. Think about what you want to discover, learn, or give to others.
- Meet with an Advisor: With a few good ideas in hand, reach out to a parent, teacher, advisor, or mentor. Choose someone you trust who knows you well. Their input can prove invaluable as you winnow the list and begin your research. You’ll also want project approval before you begin in earnest.
- Conduct Research: Once you’ve narrowed your focus, do some research to make sure you’ve chosen correctly and to set the wheels in motion. For example, if you’ve decided to enter an academic competition, you need to find out the rules and deadlines. If you intend to volunteer, research organizations you care about where your innate abilities will be of service.
- Gather What You Need: Your passion project may require specific supplies and skills. Consider what you will need and the time it will take you to complete each phase of your project. It’s worthwhile to use a calendar or spreadsheet to break the project into phases. With a solid plan in front of you, you’re ready to start.
What is the Benefit of a Passion Project?
Even working adults will take on passion projects for the benefits they provide. Doing something you love can make you happier, more balanced, and less stressed. It can pull you away from normal routines of schoolwork and social media and help you reset your priorities and learn more about yourself. As you work on your project and connect with others who share your passion, the experience can also open doors and help you begin to build a network. Particularly when you embrace a project at a young age, it can also help direct you toward a future college major or career. And the dedication to one goal over a long period is viewed by colleges as a sign of maturity, commitment, and follow-through, exactly what admissions teams like to see in their applicants.
At Gravitas, we believe it’s never too soon to pursue a passion. That’s why we incorporate passion projects into our curriculum. As the online extension of The Stony Brook School, Gravitas provides a rigorous curriculum with academic support to help you dream and achieve. To nurture your passions and grow as a student and human being, find out all that Gravitas has to offer.
