Capstone Projects
The College of Engineering Leadership Academy is a two-year, extra-curricular program modeled after leadership training programs for young professionals in industry. Students are tasked with completing a hands-on community service Capstone Project. Students form teams based on their interests to design and implement high-impact projects.
This year's projects will make a powerful difference! You can learn more about each project below! Donate now and be part of something powerful! Don't forget to designate which project you are supporting!
Capstone Project: Future Minds
Future Minds is dedicated to inspiring children in the hospital by bringing STEM education to life in a fun and interactive way. Our mission is to make every child feel valued, important, loved, and capable of achieving great things. Through engaging activities, we spark curiosity and show them that their ideas can shape the future. We are raising $700 to fund supplies and t-shirt merchandise that make this experience possible. Without this project, many children may miss the opportunity to explore STEM in a way that empowers them during difficult times. With your help, you’ll be part of something big and meaningful, bringing comfort, joy, and inspiration to kids who need it most.
Capstone Project: Calisthenics Collective
Calisthenics Collective is building a vision for the future: a world where kids and teens have spaces to get outside, be active, and develop healthy lifestyle habits. Our mission is to promote healthy habits for youth in our community by providing fun, accessible, outdoor calisthenics equipment alongside educational resources. According to the Outdoor Industry Association The frequency of outdoor activities has dropped more than 20 counts between 2012 and 2024, we are seeking funding to raise this number in our community by building our vision. Our team has worked diligently designing equipment that is safe, effective, and engaging; with your contribution, we can ensure access to the proper materials that will allow this space to leave an impact for years to come. Donate today and help build a healthier, happier future for our community!
Capstone Project: Wipe Out Waste
In a city as large and bustling as Charlotte, the effects of littering and inadequate waste management are prevalent to both residents and the environment. Our team shares a passion for caring for our environment and its natural inhabitants. We aim to inspire more people of our generation to participate in this passion by attracting them to our clean-up events. We are partnered with a local volunteer organization, Keep Charlotte Beautiful, that shares our vision of a clean city that is taken care of by its citizens. This organization will help us spread the news of our efforts and attract volunteers. By participating in a series of clean-ups throughout the year, volunteers will have an opportunity to learn about the impact of littering and how to fight it. Any financial contributions to our efforts will provide for the materials needed by our team and any volunteers who participate in our events. On top of that, any person/company that donates $50 or more will have their name or logo promoted by the team at the events. Let’s Wipe Out Waste together!
Capstone Project: Fur-Ever Homes
Our mission is to raise funds and increase awareness surrounding the Humane Society of Charlotte, to promote adoption rates and help more animals find their forever home. We aim to raise $2,000 to cover medical fees within the Humane Society’s care for the animals adopted, and provide each adopter a basic care package including things such as crates or carriers, toys, and a supply of treats to help with a smooth transition. By reducing upfront medical costs and offering starter supplies, we hope to attract more potential adopters and help to set families up for long-term success. Every donation means more pets able to be placed into loving homes, as well as more space freed for animals still in need, both on the streets and currently in kill shelters, and more visibility for the lifesaving work of the Humane Society of Charlotte. With your support, we can give more pets the chance at a forever home.
Capstone Project: VETS (Veteran Encouragement Through Support)
How would you feel if you felt like a guest in your own home? According to data, 40% of veterans say they feel like a guest in their own home. VETS (Veteran Encouragement Through Support) aims to expand an awareness to resources and presenting a veteran to veteran connection in the CLT area through community events. These events include a table for veteran misconceptions and an on campus community gathering for veterans to connect with other veterans, open for anyone who wants to join. VETS will provide a website featuring a GIS map for veterans to share where they were stationed at and any military stories. Names of donors will be mentioned on this site if desired by the donor.
You can double or triple the impact of your gift if your employer participates in a matching gift program. To see if your employer has a matching gift program, click here. If your company matches, complete your matching gift form and submit it to UNC Charlotte via mail (UNC Charlotte Foundation, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28223), fax (704-687-7259) or email (mwinslow@charlotte.edu).
