Starting with the graduating Class of 2023, every high school student will be required to earn one credit in a class that demonstrates 21st-century skills. In Farmington, that requirement is described as the Vision of a Global Citizen (VOGC). All students in Connecticut must master skills similar to Farmington’s Vision of the Global Citizen to graduate. Each school takes a different approach to it; however, Farmington has decided to use the Capstone program and Aspire program as a place for students to show mastery of that requirement.

Helping students achieve that requirement, the school decided to use the Capstone program as a starting point, labeled as rigorous and engaging to better assist students in attaining the VOGC.

“Students grow a lot in Aspire courses. They grow a lot in their skill set since they are less content-based. Instead, they focus more on personal growth,” Aspire Coordinator Courtney Landheer said.

Aspire courses have their similarities to Capstone courses; however, they are half as long: one semester. Aspire classes are much more project-based within the classroom than each student taking on an individual project independently with their research on a personalized topic. Aspire students will do their own research on a particular subject; however, it is still more class-based and teacher-supported than almost entirely student-centered.

Students will still practice researching skills in Aspire courses, similar to Capstone courses. Students will need to communicate their learning verbally and on paper, presenting to the community about their education and discoveries. They will need to advance their professional speaking skills to the public with a public display showing off their knowledge through the Aspire course.

In the 2020-2021 school year, there are three pilot Aspire courses being offered to students: Find your Future, Education Internship, and Art Installation. There is also one other option to gain Aspire credit. An Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO) is an opportunity for students to get an Aspire credit/school credit for projects they are engaging outside of school.

Senior Raven Barto is working towards her Gold Award in the Girl Scouts while completing an ELO to earn credit for her requirements. To get an ELO for a project outside of school, they need to get the paperwork approved before beginning their project in mind. As long as the ELO project has the required elements of an Aspire class and skill set incorporated into it for the project, it is a possibility to get approved.

“What is exciting about Aspire courses is that we’re trying to get students and teachers passionate about them. Allowing both the students and teachers a chance to participate in something they are hopefully passionate about outside of school all while students attain the credit required for graduation.” Aspire Coordinator Kelly Stokoe said.

By the beginning of the 2021 school year, 20 total Aspire courses will be available to students, meaning the high school will be adding 17 new courses. They are all unique topics that hope to engage with the student body, and there are many options in each discipline for students to choose from as a possible interest. Each department will have a corresponding Aspire course, anywhere from PE to Business or any other department that may interest the student body.

Please look to the Program of Studies and check in with your counselors for more information.