Every IB Diploma student must complete a CAS project. This guide provides 100+ ideas for meaningful, IB-aligned experiences in art, sustainability, and community leadership building on 42 years of community service project ideas with local organizations.
Whether leading a CAS trip for an IB world school or crafting a personal project, find inspiration to make a real impact.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at:
How do I choose the best CAS project?
Choose the best CAS project by aligning personal passions with community needs. Focus on projects that foster leadership, creativity and long-term impact.
Ensure the project meets IB requirements and offers opportunities for reflection and growth. Successful CAS projects create meaningful change while developing key skills.
Community Support Programs
Make a direct impact in your local community through these service-oriented projects:
- Tutor underprivileged children.
- Start a school-wide recycling program.
- Promote mental health awareness.
- Volunteer at an animal shelter.
- Organize a food drive.
- Create a peer mentoring program.
- Raise money for local organizations.
- Start a community garden.
- Coordinate a pet adoption day.
- Organize a charity concert.
- Maintain financial records for a charity.
- Volunteer at a homeless shelter.
- Organize a school clean-up day.
- Reduce single-use plastics at school.
- Visit and assist elderly residents at a nursing home.
Environmental Action
Champion environmental conservation through these eco-focused projects:
- Host a community tree-planting campaign.
- Start a community composting program.
- Organize a recycling club or competition.
- Run a school supply drive for underprivileged students.
- Create an environmental education workshop for younger students.
- Produce a documentary on local environmental challenges.
- Launch a composting program at school or in the community.
- Start an advocacy campaign for sustainable energy.
- Establish a sustainable fashion movement at school.
- Build a student-run green initiative to reduce school waste.
- Develop a sustainability awareness exhibit.
- Organize an eco-friendly fashion show with upcycled clothing.
- Partner with a nonprofit for environmental literacy classes.
- Create an educational program on reducing carbon footprints.
- Organize a wildlife conservation awareness day.
Arts & Media Projects
Transform your creativity into community impact with these arts-focused projects:
- Start a school art magazine and publish student work.
- Organize a virtual poetry slam for students and local poets.
- Choreograph a dance for a school talent show or community event.
- Produce a short film with a local charity on a social issue.
- Make a recycled material sculpture for display at community centers.
- Organize a photography exhibition to raise social issue awareness.
- Design and paint a mural in a community space or school.
- Write a children’s book, donating copies to local schools.
- Develop a school podcast featuring student stories and local issues.
- Start a drama club and produce an original play.
- Organize a school-wide graphic novel competition.
- Form a music band and perform at school or community events.
- Host an art therapy workshop for students dealing with stress.
- Develop a student-run digital storytelling blog or vlog.
- Launch a school-wide talent show fundraiser for a cause.
Health & Fitness Initiatives
Promote wellness and active lifestyles through these engaging projects:
- Organize a charity fun run or obstacle course for a local cause
- Organize a dodgeball tournament to raise funds for a local charity
- Start a school sports team or fitness club
- Host a community sports day to encourage physical activity
- Develop a fitness program at a local nursing home for senior citizens
- Lead a weekend hiking and nature appreciation group
- Set up a school-wide fitness challenge
- Organize a dance-a-thon fundraiser for charity
- Start a school yoga or mindfulness meditation club
- Create a cycling group that promotes eco-friendly commuting
- Lead a swimming class for children or non-swimmers
- Organize a park or beach clean-up with physical activities
- Train for and participate in a triathlon or endurance race
- Start a martial arts club focused on discipline and self-defense
- Launch a school gardening club with a focus on organic produce
Education & Skill Development
Foster learning and growth through these educational initiatives:
- Set up a free tutoring initiative for struggling students.
- Host a creative writing workshop for your neighborhood.
- Develop a language-learning program for refugees or immigrants.
- Organize a STEM fair showcasing student projects.
- Start a Model United Nations (MUN) club at school.
- Lead a public speaking workshop for students.
- Plan a student-led TED-style talk event.
- Organize a science outreach program for primary schools.
- Run a journalism workshop for aspiring student reporters.
- Host a community-based coding boot camp.
- Launch a literacy campaign to promote reading.
- Organize an academic competition (math, debate, or general knowledge).
- Develop an interactive educational app for young learners.
- Organize a school-wide history reenactment event.
- Launch an online student-led research journal.
Technology & Innovation
Drive change through technology with these innovative projects:
- Develop an AI-powered tutor for language learning
- Build a student-run digital marketing agency for local businesses
- Build a smart irrigation system for a community garden
- Create an e-learning platform with free educational content
- Design a budgeting app for student financial literacy
- Build a website that shares environmental conservation tips
- Organize a workshop on cybersecurity awareness
- Create a mobile app to track volunteering hours for students
- Develop an interactive website for a nonprofit organization
- Host a 3D printing workshop focused on sustainability projects
- Develop a digital archive preserving local history and stories
- Create an online support network for students struggling with stress
- Organize a hackathon for students to solve real-world problems
- Develop an augmented reality (AR) experience for local landmarks
- Create a data visualization project on global climate change
Events & Awareness Campaigns
Create lasting change through these impactful events and campaigns:
- Organize a charity bike race for a cause
- Plan a community fair with local businesses and charities
- Host a storytelling night to promote cultural exchange
- Launch a mental health peer support initiative
- Organize a free health screening event for underserved populations
- Develop a resume-writing campaign for job seekers
- Coordinate a personal finance skills program for students
- Organize a multicultural food fair to showcase international cuisine
- Organize a refugee or homeless support drive with a nonprofit
- Plan a charity walk to raise awareness for a cause
- Host a fundraising event for a local nonprofit organization
- Launch a campaign to promote environmental sustainability
- Coordinate a youth leadership conference
- Organize a community-wide blood donation drive
- Develop an awareness campaign for mental health resources
Expert Tips & FAQ
Q: What is a CAS project?
A CAS project is a student-led initiative in the IB Diploma Program that engages students in creativity, activity, or service to the local area. It must last at least one month and contribute to community development.
Q: What are the five stages of a CAS project?
The five stages of a CAS project are: investigation, preparation, action, reflection, and demonstration.
Q: How do you come up with a CAS project?
Consider personal interests, community needs, student body, and available resources. Projects should align with IB CAS objectives and encourage students to develop new skills.
Q: How many people are in a CAS project?
Some projects are individual, but collaboration with other schools, community members, and other students is encouraged.
Q: What counts as an IB CAS project?
Any structured activity that includes at least one of the three CAS strands and contributes positively to the community.
Q: Can you fail CAS?
Failure to complete at least one CAS project and meet all reflection requirements may result in not receiving the IB Diploma.
Q: What are examples of ambitious CAS projects?
Organizing a large-scale bake sale, setting up a tech literacy program at a local hospital, or developing a financial education workshop for different age groups.
Q: How should I handle unexpected problems during my CAS project?
It’s important to be flexible and find solutions when unexpected challenges arise. Problem-solving is a key learning experience in CAS. If you face difficulties, adapt your approach, seek advice, and reflect on what you’ve learned.
Q: Do I need approval for my CAS project?
Yes, students should discuss their project ideas with their CAS teachers to ensure they meet IB guidelines and receive proper approval before starting.
Q: What should I aim to demonstrate in my CAS project?
Your CAS project should highlight your achievements, personal growth, and impact on the community.
Q: How should I document my CAS project?
Students must keep a CAS portfolio that includes reflections, evidence of their work, and an evaluation of their progress. Reflection should take place throughout the project, not just at the end.
Q: Why is reflection important in CAS?
Reflection is essential at all stages of the CAS project. It helps students analyze their experiences, recognize challenges, and understand their personal and academic growth.
Q: How long does a CAS project need to last?
The CAS project must take a minimum of one month from planning to completion. It should be a sustained effort that allows for meaningful impact and personal development.
Ready to turn these ideas into action? Our experienced CAS advisors can help you develop and execute an impactful project.
Read more: How to start a CAS-aligned school service club
Resources:
- International Baccalaureate Organization: Creativity, activity, service
- International Baccalaureate Organization: CAS projects