CAS Projects

Throughout high school, IB students participate in CAS, a volunteer program that encourages

engagement beyond traditional service. However, it isn’t until their senior year that candidates

are tasked with the CAS Project. The CAS Project allows students to both explore their interests,

and respond to the needs of their community. Several IB students have used their project as a

way to comprehend and confront the relevant societal issues.  

 

Bonny Matejowsky and Mason Bui, for example, created Stick With You, a sticker company that

benefits various charities. Their project began with a causal sketch of Paris Hilton surrounded by a

rainbow, which later manifested into a larger representation of social justice. After witnessing the

growing Black Lives Matter Movement, Bonny and Mason soon realized their vision could promote

change. Profits from their Paris Hilton themed sticker provide for the Trevor Project, a foundation that

offers support for LGBTQ youth. Additionally, Bonny and Mason’s creative reconception of the famous

painting Girl With A Pearl Earring benefits the Minnesota Freedom Fund, which helps pay criminal bail

and immigration bonds. 

 

Bonny explains that they chose to design stickers because “they are a super versatile product used by many teenagers and adults on laptops, water bottles, and phone cases.” As Mason states, “art has the power to convey messages that words cannot, and we hope our stickers make people more receptive to different voices.” Bonny and Mason want to continue to raise awareness of worthy causes and advocate for equality. 

 

Mya Blanton and Kali Mckinney, in contrast, were more inspired by a personal relationship rather than a global social movement. They used their CAS Project as an opportunity to help their dear friend and mentor, Laura Freeland. Freeland’s twin daughters were born prematurely and have since suffered a series of medical issues. Mya comments that “through Laura’s story, we were made aware of the hardships babies, mothers, and families face in the NICU.” 

 

Shortly after, their non-profit, Colors for Cuddles, was born. Mya and Kali sell handmade tie-dye clothes and the money raised is then donated to Swaddle 4 Swaddle. Swaddle 4 Swaddle is an organization that uses funds to purchase and distribute blankets to NICU babies in hospitals nationwide. Kali says that “if Colors for Cuddles can give even the smallest ounce of hope to NICU families, we would consider our mission a success.” And, a success it is; Mya and Kali have effectively developed and advertised their goal by building a website, making an instagram page, and constructing a system to produce and ship products. 

 

Max and Maddie Weiss are yet another pair of IB students who have collaborated on their CAS requirements. The Weiss twins established the Holiday Gift Project, which collects care packages for nursing home residents. Max and Maddie were motivated by their own experiences, as their grandmother currently lives in a nursing home and has been isolated due to the pandemic. Without visitors, many elderly residents are, as Maddie states, “completely shut off from the outside world.” Therefore, Maddie and Max began delivering personalized care packages in hopes of making others feel less alone, especially during the holiday season. They state that the goal of their project is to “spread joy and inclusivity for the people who are feeling less included in everyday life, and often forgotten.” Max explains that “especially during these difficult times, it is important that we recognize our shared humanity and come together to help one another.” They hope that their project represents love and human connection, when some of us need it the most. 

 

While each CAS project is different, every student offers the same advice. To incoming seniors, these IB scholars urge everyone to explore an issue they are passionate about, because if you are not interested in your topic you will not be committed to your project. Some counsel to create a list of your hobbies or identify your personal strengths. Others admit that their friends were the most helpful in developing a project, and advise students to consider asking their peers for ideas.