Service Learning, CAS & Capstone Projects

In partnership with academic institutions, RJI coordinates Service Learning and Capstone Projects experiences for groups and individuals. The Projects combines community service with academic instruction, as it focuses on reflecting thinking and civic responsibility. The programs involve students in our communities´ development vision by addressing local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of global responsibility and commitment to change. For most students, this is a life-changing experience that prepares them to be lifelong learners and leaders in their community and professions.

CAS PROGRAM
Youth Empowerment - Community Development and Volunteerism

Reto Juvenil Internacional (RJI) CAS Program  Creativity, Activity and Service, enables students to enhance their personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning. 

It provides opportunities for self-determination, collaboration, and the development of skills that can be applied both academically and in their personal lives. RJI is a youth-focused NGO dedicated to empowering young people through community service for more than 30 years in leadership development and cross-cultural experiences in more than 19 countries.

The CAS program integrates youth into meaningful service while also fostering creativity and physical activity. 

CAS Program Objectives

• Engage local and international youth in service projects that address community needs.
• Promote leadership, intercultural understanding, and sustainable development.
• Help students achieve the maximum CAS learning outcomes

 CAS 7 Learning Outcomes

• Undertaking new challenges
• Increasing your awareness of your own strengths and areas for growth
• Planning and initiating activities
• Working collaboratively with others
• Showing perseverance and commitment in your actions
• Engaging with issues of global importance
• Considering the ethical implications of your actions
• Developing new skills

CAS COMPONENTS

1. Creativity

Involves arts, planning, or creative thinking.

Example Activities:

• Design a campaign on environmental awareness (videos, posters, social media).
• Create workshops for local youth (e.g., literacy, arts, leadership).
• Develop a podcast or newsletter highlighting RJI’s impact.

2. Activity

Focuses on physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

Example Activities:

• Organize community clean-up hikes or eco-walks.
• Facilitate sports tournaments for at-risk youth.
• Lead outdoor team-building activities during volunteer camps.

3. Service

Collaborative and reciprocal community engagement.

Example Activities:

• Participate in building projects (schools, gardens, water systems, green house).
• Tutor children or mentor younger students in underserved areas
• Plan and run health awareness campaigns (e.g., hygiene, nutrition).

CAS Learning Outcomes

Each CAS student should aim to demonstrate:

1. Initiative and planning
2. Challenge and skill development
3. Commitment and perseverance
4. Collaboration with others
5. Global engagement
6. Ethical implications of actions
7. Reflection on experiences

Sample Timeline (1 Week project)

Activities:

On line Orientation & Planning

CAS introduction workshop, goal setting, team building on line

Implementation

Carry out activities from each CAS strand on site

Reflection & Impact       

1. Students prepare reflective journals, group presentations the last day.
2. Showcase
3. Organize a final exhibition or digital portfolio presentation back home.

Reflection & Documentation

We encourage students to use:

1. Weekly journals
2. Video blogs or photo essays
3. CAS portfolios (Google Docs, ManageBac, etc.)

Group sharing sessions

Partners & Support

Encourage collaboration with:

1. Educations Institutions  
2. Community leaders
3. National and Local Government
4. Youth service networks
5. Local Associations 

RJI Experience

• United States: Columbia University, Texas AIM, Winthrop University, Michigan University.
• Canada: McGill University, Wilfred Laurier University, Ottawa University, Ryerson University, University of Toronto, Carleton University, Vancouver Island University, Queens University, Dalhousie University, Windsor University, Western University, British Columbia University and Simon Fraser University.
• México: Universidad Iberoamericana.
• Costa Rica: UCIMED, Universidad de Costa Rica, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica.

Customize your project

Earn a free trip!

RJI Group Leader

• Ensure the safety and adequate behaviour of volunteers.
• Coordinate the group´s work schedules, community interactions, social activities, meals and others
• Logistical support to in-community activities
• Effectively and quickly handle any possible emergency
• Be the bridge between the community and the volunteers. RJI leader will be bilingual and thus will facilitate the communication between both of them.

Participation fee

Participation fee may change depending on special conditions of a particular community and on the amount of volunteers in the group, but the information below can help you have a good idea of the funds per participant that needs to be raised for the project of 12 people. The fee may rise for groups smaller than this or be lower for larger groups. If you wish to have the exact information, please don’t hesitate contact us  to discuss your ideas. Make sure you ask us about special offers and opportunities!

The participation fee includes

The participation fee does not include

Fundraising