Over 2,000 schools participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program, a project-based learning experience valued by colleges and universities across the U.S. and around the world.

At Brazoswood High School, the first class of AP Capstone students have completed the program. Four students have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™ and one student has earned the AP Capstone Diploma™ during the 2020-21 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students to develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills that are critical to academic success. 

“We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said Brian Cole, Assistant Superintendent. “Our AP Capstone students and teacher showed extraordinary commitment while facing historic challenges. This is a meaningful college readiness program that will serve our students well after high school.”

Brazoswood High School senior Amy Lee, who completed the second year of the program, had this to say, “Capstone has helped prepare me for college as a high school student. These courses have taught me how to properly write essays and conduct research projects. My favorite part is that we, the students, can work independently and call on our teacher for help when we need it.”

Brazoswood teacher Brandyn Hargrove has enjoyed teaching the courses because she feels it helps prepare her students for the college setting. “The Capstone curriculum does an excellent job of preparing students for all post-secondary education. By the end of the two-year program, students will be able to conduct their own research, analyze the data, and defend their research just as they would in a dissertation for a master or doctoral degree,” Hargrove says. 

To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP Exams. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. Students are increasingly participating in the AP Capstone program. Over 2,000 schools participated in the AP Capstone program worldwide during the 2020-21 school year, when approximately 11,900 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma and 7,700 earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.  

Unlike traditional AP subject exams with a single end-of-year assessment, AP Seminar and AP Research assessments are project based and evaluate skills mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays completed throughout the year. Instead of focusing on one specific academic discipline, AP Seminar and AP Research are interdisciplinary: students are empowered to create research projects based on topics of personal interest and they are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed to complete their projects. Brazoswood students focused their research on a range of topics, including: 

• Sleep Deprivation and Its Detrimental Outcomes on Healthcare Personnel

• The Relationship Between Eye Contact, Personality, and Self-Esteem From a Subjective Perspective

• Celebrity Worshiping Traits and Its Influence in Shaping Personality

“Congratulations to the AP Capstone award winners, who conduct, present, and defend academic research on topics they are passionate about,” said Trevor Packer, College Board senior vice president of AP and Instruction. “Their ability to manage long-term projects, collaborate with teams, and deliver effective presentations will accelerate both their academic and professional careers.”

Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program at Brazoswood:

• 1 were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams. The student is: 

  • Michael Nguyen, now attending Brazosport College with plans to major in Psychology after transferring to a 4 year university

• 4 were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. They are:

  • Prisha Dalal, current Brazoswood senior

  • Amy Lee, current Brazoswood senior

  • Karen Martinez, attending University of Texas - Dallas majoring in Marketing

  • Alex Nguyen, attending University of Houston majoring in Computer Information Systems

The College Board Advanced Placement® Program gives students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school. A 3 or higher on an AP Exam has multiple benefits for students, including earning college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on AP Exams, saving them time and money. Research shows AP students are better prepared for and more likely to enroll and remain in college, do well in classes, and earn their degrees on time. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP Exams align with their high standards.


AP Capstone Seniors: L to R

AP Capstone with Teacher Mrs. Hargrove: L to R