Annual RIT-RPHS capstone exposes students to real-world research in various career fields

LaTanya Boykins grew up in a family affected by gun violence, and it’s what she said sparked her interest to someday study criminology and psychology. As a senior at Rochester Prep High School, she has the chance this school year to participate in the annual capstone program that allows RPHS students to work alongside faculty at Rochester Institute of Technology for one-of-a-kind learning experiences.

The addition of the criminal justice capstone course – led by Irshad Altheimer, director of the Center for Public Safety Initiatives through the Department of Criminal Justice – is new this year, and an opportunity for students, like Boykins, to learn more about the line of work.

“I guess I was interested in this because of where I’m from and wanting to be on the other side to help,” Boykins said.

She, along with classmates Isabella Dache, Nasiya Gonzalez, E. Harris and Taymar Roman, have been working since the fall to research intervention programs aimed at combating community issues such as domestic violence, gang activity, gun violence, substance abuse and more. Now, they’re preparing a presentation about their findings for the final capstone showcase Feb. 13 at Ingle Auditorium.

Twenty-three students – the largest cohort since its inception – are part of the program that also includes subjects on bacteria and biology, data to map large trends, fiber bundles and game design.

“I just think it’s really cool to be a part of,” Roman said. “I’m really interested in this, so I hope to learn more and take this knowledge to the next level.”

Roman also participated last year in the inaugural spring capstone program that invited underclassmen from RPHS to work for four weeks with professors in business, engineering, philosophy and political science. The intent was to boost interest in student involvement for the main capstone the following year.

In 2022, RIT’s K-12 University Center was tasked with overseeing the university’s partnership with the Rochester-based charter school. One of the many programs is the capstone, which lets students select an offered subject area to pursue on RIT’s campus through the program. The process starts the spring of their junior year. By the time of their senior year, the students then attend a weekly class working with a professor on a specifically designed research project that simulates work in a college course.

“The capstone experience offers PRHS students a unique opportunity to work with faculty on college-level course work,” said Kraig Farrell, director of school partnerships through the K-12 center. “This, in turn, better prepares them for the all-important transition from high school. Student are working hand-in-hand with RIT students, while also making connections with faculty members.”

Farrell added that this is also a chance to highlight the “amazing" things RIT has to offer, by linking coursework to potential careers.

The partnership among RIT and Rochester Prep dates back to June 27, 2013, before the high school opened. Board of trustee member Ron Zarrella had a vision to create comprehensive and sustainable relationships for students from the school by utilizing university resources.

RIT K-12 is also responsible for handling logistics of the program with RPHS and planning other opportunities for students, such as workshops on communication and public speaking before the final capstone showcase in February. The “holistic approach,” Farrell said, is aimed at providing students with other skills beyond academic research.