The Upper School Impact Projects give students a chance to get personally involved in their curriculum through hands-on interdisciplinary applications of what they’ve been studying all year long. From building sustainable projects for developing countries to volunteering with local communities, students see firsthand how their education allows them to be an active leader in the outside world. Students research and design projects throughout the year and culminate their work in an intensive week in the Spring.
When projects are completed, the Eastside Prep community gathers at the Kirkland Performance Center each Spring to see and hear students formally present their work. EPS welcomes members of the broader community as well as prospective families to join us for this amazing night. Please contact the Admissions Office if you are interested in attending next Spring.
Projects may vary slightly from year to year. Upper School projects from 2009-2010 are described below.
9th Grade Impact Project -
Hot Stuff: Ovens for the Developing World 
Students use ovens as a case study for sustainable practice and solutions for the developing world, where the heavy use of open fires for indoor cooking causes severe health problems. Eastside Prep ninth graders research, design and build efficient and eco-friendly ovens, such as one group’s rocket oven and another group’s cob oven.
10th Grade Impact Project -
Impacting the EPS Community
How can art raise awareness of ecological sustainability? Students in this project seek to find out by creating visual and aural projects based around the school’s four mission points (thinking critically, acting responsibly, innovating wisely, and leading responsibly).
11th Grade Impact Project -
Service with a Smile
Eastside Prep eleventh graders take community service to a higher level of understanding with this project. For sixth months, students do extensive research about the needs of their community and then connect with a local organization of their choice to design a volunteer project. Students complete the project with over fifteen hours of volunteer service and a presentation about their experience.
12th Grade Impact Project -
Senior Synthesis
Eastside Prep’s senior Impact Project showcases the interdisciplinary thinking and leadership EPS seniors have developed. Each student designs and implements a project which reflects their personal interests and applies skill and knowledge from multiple disciplines. Students are required to create both finished product (such as a CD, play, or model) and to deliver an oral presentation on their project to the entire school community. Examples of past projects include portfolios of original artwork and music, a documentary video on the history of the school, directing a play, and designing, creating and cooking a formal multi-course meal for a group of lucky faculty members.
