York Scholars
The York Scholars Program is an academically rigorous, two-year interdisciplinary honors program for 11th and 12th grade students that integrates the AP Capstone sequence with a signature capstone project experience. Formerly known as Distinguished Scholars, the program emphasizes independent research, collaboration, and community impact, with students demonstrating mastery and commitment in one of four focus areas: Arts, Community Engagement, Global Studies, or STEM.
Beginning in the 2025–26 academic year, all York Scholars will take AP Seminar in 11th grade, followed by AP Research in 12th grade. Successful completion of both courses, including the required College Board portfolio, enables students to earn the prestigious AP Capstone Certificate, a distinction that signals advanced college readiness and scholarly achievement.
The program culminates with the presentation of an original thesis at the Spring York Scholars Showcase. These presentations may take the form of a TEDx-style talk, an academic lecture, a short documentary film, an art installation, an app creation, or another personalized format befitting each student’s area of focus. At commencement, students receive special distinction in recognition of their scholarly accomplishments and contribution to the York community.
Jenny Nadaner
FacultyYORK SCHOLARS DIRECTOR; WORLD LANGUAGES; ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIPS; CIEE COORDINATOR ; ED TECH SPECIALIST
Areas of Study
Arts
This area of study prepares students to interpret works from multiple artistic disciplines (visual, musical, dramatic) and even create their own original work. As a capstone project, students work on a creative piece, which might be a performance of a theatrical or musical piece, a written play, or an original art installation or exhibit.
Community Engagement
This area of study provides students opportunities to examine root causes of community problems or inequities and become leaders and problem solvers who envision possible solutions to these challenges. Students will work with a community partner agency to gain firsthand experience with community organizers and leaders.
Global Studies
This area of study provides students with opportunities to explore global dynamics and gain advanced global competencies. Students will complete academic coursework related to global inquiry, extra-curricular enrichment, and educational travel.
STEM
Students in this area of study develop skills necessary to excel in post-York opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math, with a focus on how these skills can be used in constructive community engagement and problem solving. As a capstone project, students engage in original research under the guidance of a member of the professional STEM community.
Requirements
All four areas of study require students to demonstrate their commitment to their chosen area and mastery of the York Learning Outcomes through completion of or participation in the following:
- Related coursework
- Relevant extracurricular activities
- Capstone project (started in the second semester of the junior year and completed by the end of the first semester of the senior year), which, depending on the area of study, can involve either an external internship, research project, service learning project, or study abroad experience
Timeline & Process
Under the guidance of the Coordinator of the Distinguished Scholars Program, students work toward this distinction based on the following timeline:
- 10th Grade: Students apply for the Distinguished Scholars Program, with an area of focus, in the second semester of their sophomore year, allowing them to plan out their coursework and co-curricular activities for their junior and senior years.
- 11th Grade: During their junior year, students propose and begin to work on a capstone project, which has the goal of developing their knowledge of and proficiencies in their chosen area of study.
- Summers: The summer months provide an opportunity for students to work on their project, engage in an internship, or travel abroad to further the experiences in their chosen area of study.
- 12th Grade: In their senior year, students complete their capstone project and put together a portfolio showcasing their commitment to the area of study and mastery of York’s Learning Outcomes.
