UPPER MARLBORO, MD—Starting this fall, Bowie and Eleanor Roosevelt high schools will participate in the AP/Cambridge Capstone pilot program, alongside 13 additional schools throughout the United States, Hong Kong and Canada. Bowie and Eleanor Roosevelt are the only high schools in Maryland selected to participate in the pilot program.

Developed by the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) and University of Cambridge International Examinations, the AP/Cambridge Capstone pilot program is designed to better prepare students for entry into higher education by developing independent research, collaborative teamwork, and 21^st-century knowledge and skills to compete in the global marketplace.

“I am very pleased with our participation in this much-needed program as this pilot fits into our vision of high student achievement,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent of Schools. “We are committed to equipping our students with the requisite knowledge, skills and resources to compete on the global playing field.”

The pilot will help the College Board and University of Cambridge International Examinations determine how to implement the program across participating AP schools.

The program will consist of the AP/Cambridge Interdisciplinary Investigations and Critical Reasoning Seminar and AP/Cambridge Capstone Research Project courses. The seminar will be taken in the 11^th grade with a focus on developing inquiry skills through exploring topics of global relevance. Students will be assessed through team presentations and a written exam. 

The Capstone Research Project courses will be taken in the 12^th grade and will concentrate on students developing skills in research methodology, culminating in a 4,500-5,000 word academic paper.

Students earning passing scores in both portions of the program will receive the AP/Cambridge Capstone Credential for proficiency in college-level subject knowledge and research.