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CAS Project Ideas: 100+ Best Ideas for IB Students (2026) — Creativity, Activity & Service

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 43 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.

Learn about CAS trips

CAS Project Ideas (Quick Answer)

CAS project ideas are student-led plans that combine creativity, activity, and/or service to meet IB CAS expectations while creating real impact in a community. A CAS project is typically collaborative and lasts at least one month, moving through planning, action, reflection, and sharing outcomes.

What counts as an IB CAS project?

  • Duration: sustained for at least one month (from planning to completion).
  • Collaboration: usually involves working with others (students, a club, a community partner).
  • Strands: includes creativity, activity, service,  one or a combination.
  • Process: investigation → preparation → action → reflection → demonstration (sharing results).

Tip: The best CAS project ideas start with a real community need and a realistic plan you can sustain week-to-week.

How to Choose the Best CAS Project Idea

  1. Pick your impact: who benefits and how will you measure success (attendance, items collected, sessions run, funds raised)?
  2. Pick your constraints: time available each week, your team size, budget, permissions, and location.
  3. Match strands: decide if your project is mainly creativity, activity, service, or a blend.
  4. Make it sustainable: plan 4–8 weeks of repeatable actions, not a one-day event.
  5. Plan evidence: photos (with permission), materials, feedback, and short reflection checkpoints.

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.

    Service CAS Project Ideas

    These CAS project ideas focus on community support, leadership, and sustained impact through service.

    Make a direct impact in your local community through these service-oriented projects:

    1. Tutor underprivileged children.
    2. Start a school-wide recycling program.
    3. Promote mental health awareness.
    4. Volunteer at an animal shelter.
    5. Organize a food drive.
    6. Create a peer mentoring program.
    7. Raise money for local organizations.
    8. Start a community garden.
    9. Coordinate a pet adoption day.
    10. Organize a charity concert.
    11. Maintain financial records for a charity.
    12. Volunteer at a homeless shelter.
    13. Organize a school clean-up day.
    14. Reduce single-use plastics at school.
    15. Visit and assist elderly residents at a nursing home.
    Thailand Eco Service

    Environmental CAS Project Ideas

    Eco-focused CAS project ideas for sustainability, conservation, and climate action in your school or community.

    Champion environmental conservation through these eco-focused projects:

    1. Host a community tree-planting campaign.
    2. Start a community composting program.
    3. Organize a recycling club or competition.
    4. Run a school supply drive for underprivileged students.
    5. Create an environmental education workshop for younger students.
    6. Produce a documentary on local environmental challenges.
    7. Launch a composting program at school or in the community.
    8. Start an advocacy campaign for sustainable energy.
    9. Establish a sustainable fashion movement at school.
    10. Build a student-run green initiative to reduce school waste.
    11. Develop a sustainability awareness exhibit.
    12. Organize an eco-friendly fashion show with upcycled clothing.
    13. Partner with a nonprofit for environmental literacy classes.
    14. Create an educational program on reducing carbon footprints.
    15. Organize a wildlife conservation awareness day.
    Tanzania Environmental Conservation

    Arts & Creativity CAS Project Ideas

    Creative CAS project ideas that turn art, writing, music, film, and design into community impact.

    1. Start a school art magazine and publish student work.
    2. Organize a virtual poetry slam for students and local poets.
    3. Choreograph a dance for a school talent show or community event.
    4. Produce a short film with a local charity on a social issue.
    5. Make a recycled material sculpture for display at community centers.
    6. Organize a photography exhibition to raise social issue awareness.
    7. Design and paint a mural in a community space or school.
    8. Write a children’s book, donating copies to local schools.
    9. Develop a school podcast featuring student stories and local issues.
    10. Start a drama club and produce an original play.
    11. Organize a school-wide graphic novel competition.
    12. Form a music band and perform at school or community events.
    13. Host an art therapy workshop for students dealing with stress.
    14. Develop a student-run digital storytelling blog or vlog.
    15. Launch a school-wide talent show fundraiser for a cause.
    Paris: City of Light

    Wellness & Activity CAS Project Ideas

    Active CAS project ideas that promote fitness, participation, and healthy routines in your community.

    1. Organize a charity fun run or obstacle course for a local cause
    2. Organize a dodgeball tournament to raise funds for a local charity
    3. Start a school sports team or fitness club
    4. Host a community sports day to encourage physical activity
    5. Develop a fitness program at a local nursing home for senior citizens
    6. Lead a weekend hiking and nature appreciation group
    7. Set up a school-wide fitness challenge
    8. Organize a dance-a-thon fundraiser for charity
    9. Start a school yoga or mindfulness meditation club
    10. Create a cycling group that promotes eco-friendly commuting
    11. Lead a swimming class for children or non-swimmers
    12. Organize a park or beach clean-up with physical activities
    13. Train for and participate in a triathlon or endurance race
    14. Start a martial arts club focused on discipline and self-defense
    15. Launch a school gardening club with a focus on organic produce
    Service in India

    Education & Learning CAS Project Ideas

    Teaching, mentoring, and academic-outreach CAS project ideas that build skills and confidence in others.

    1. Set up a free tutoring initiative for struggling students.
    2. Host a creative writing workshop for your neighborhood.
    3. Develop a language-learning program for refugees or immigrants.
    4. Organize a STEM fair showcasing student projects.
    5. Start a Model United Nations (MUN) club at school.
    6. Lead a public speaking workshop for students.
    7. Plan a student-led TED-style talk event.
    8. Organize a science outreach program for primary schools.
    9. Run a journalism workshop for aspiring student reporters.
    10. Host a community-based coding boot camp.
    11. Launch a literacy campaign to promote reading.
    12. Organize an academic competition (math, debate, or general knowledge).
    13. Develop an interactive educational app for young learners.
    14. Organize a school-wide history reenactment event.
    15. Launch an online student-led research journal.
    Dominican Republic Community Development

    Technology CAS Project Ideas

    Tech-driven CAS project ideas that solve real problems through coding, media, and digital tools.

    1. Develop an AI-powered tutor for language learning
    2. Build a student-run digital marketing agency for local businesses
    3. Build a smart irrigation system for a community garden
    4. Create an e-learning platform with free educational content
    5. Design a budgeting app for student financial literacy
    6. Build a website that shares environmental conservation tips
    7. Organize a workshop on cybersecurity awareness
    8. Create a mobile app to track volunteering hours for students
    9. Develop an interactive website for a nonprofit organization
    10. Host a 3D printing workshop focused on sustainability projects
    11. Develop a digital archive preserving local history and stories
    12. Create an online support network for students struggling with stress
    13. Organize a hackathon for students to solve real-world problems
    14. Develop an augmented reality (AR) experience for local landmarks
    15. Create a data visualization project on global climate change
    Morocco Photography Workshop

    Events & Campaign CAS Project Ideas

    These CAS project ideas focus on organizing sustained events or campaigns that build momentum over several weeks.

    1. Organize a charity bike race for a cause.
    2. Plan a community fair with local businesses and charities.
    3. Host a storytelling night to promote cultural exchange.
    4. Launch a mental health peer support initiative.
    5. Organize a free health screening event for underserved populations.
    6. Develop a resume-writing campaign for job seekers.
    7. Coordinate a personal finance skills program for students.
    8. Organize a multicultural food fair to showcase international cuisine.
    9. Run a refugee or homeless support drive with a nonprofit.
    10. Plan a charity walk to raise awareness for a cause.
    11. Host a fundraising event for a local nonprofit organization.
    12. Launch a campaign to promote environmental sustainability.
    13. Coordinate a youth leadership conference.
    14. Organize a community-wide blood donation drive.
    15. Develop an awareness campaign for mental health resources.
    Sacred Valley Service

    CAS Project Templates (Copy-Ready)

    Template 1: Weekly Tutoring Program (Service + Creativity)

    • Goal: Improve reading confidence for younger students through weekly sessions.
    • Timeline: 4–8 weeks (1–2 sessions/week).
    • Team: 3–6 students (roles: coordinator, materials lead, session leads, outreach).
    • Evidence: lesson plans, attendance log, partner feedback, reflection checkpoints.
    • Demonstration: share outcomes with school/community (summary + resources created).

    Template 2: School Waste-Reduction Challenge (Service + Activity)

    • Goal: Reduce single-use plastics and increase recycling participation.
    • Timeline: 4–6 weeks with weekly reporting.
    • Team: student committee + a staff sponsor.
    • Evidence: before/after audit, posters, announcements, participation counts.
    • Demonstration: publish results and a “how-to” guide for next year’s students.

    Template 3: Community Arts Showcase for a Cause (Creativity + Service)

    • Goal: Host a student showcase that raises funds or awareness for a local nonprofit.
    • Timeline: 4–8 weeks planning + event + follow-up.
    • Team: programming, marketing, venue/logistics, partner liaison, finance.
    • Evidence: planning docs, promotion assets, photos (with permission), partner letter.
    • Demonstration: event recap page + thank-you package to participants and partner.

    Frequently Asked Questions About CAS Projects

    What is a CAS project?

    A CAS project is a student-led initiative in the IB Diploma Programme that combines creativity, activity, and/or service to address a real need. It typically involves collaboration and lasts at least one month from planning through completion.

    What are the five stages of a CAS project?

    The five stages are investigation, preparation, action, reflection, and demonstration.

    How do you come up with a CAS project idea?

    Start with your interests and a real community need, then choose something you can sustain over several weeks. Confirm you have the time, people, permissions, and resources to follow through, and plan how you will document evidence and reflections.

    How many people should be in a CAS project?

    Some projects can be started individually, but CAS projects are usually collaborative. Working with other students, clubs, or community partners often makes the project more realistic and impactful.

    What counts as an IB CAS project?

    A CAS project is a planned, sustained activity that includes creativity, activity, and/or service and creates a positive outcome for others. It should include planning, ongoing reflection, and a final demonstration or sharing of what you accomplished.

    Can you fail CAS?

    Yes. If a student does not complete the required CAS project and reflections, they may not meet CAS requirements, which can affect whether they receive the IB Diploma.

    What are examples of ambitious CAS projects?

    Ambitious projects are sustained and well-organized, such as running a multi-week tutoring program, building a school-wide sustainability campaign, launching a community arts showcase for a cause, or creating a tech literacy program with a local partner.

    How should I handle unexpected problems during my CAS project?

    Adapt your plan, ask for advice early, and document what changed and why. Problem-solving is part of CAS growth. Reflect on challenges, what you tried, and what you learned as you adjust.

    Do I need approval for my CAS project?

    Usually, yes. Students should discuss their CAS project idea with their CAS coordinator or advisor before starting to confirm it meets IB expectations and can be properly supported and documented.

    What should I aim to demonstrate in my CAS project?

    A strong CAS project shows sustained effort, personal growth, and positive impact on others. It should clearly connect your actions to outcomes and include reflections that show learning over time.

    How should I document my CAS project?

    Keep evidence throughout the project: photos (with permission), planning notes, progress updates, feedback, and deliverables, along with reflections at multiple stages. Don’t wait until the end to record what happened.

    Why is reflection important in CAS?

    Reflection shows how you learned from planning, action, setbacks, and outcomes. It helps demonstrate growth, decision-making, and what you would improve if you did the project again.

    How long does a CAS project need to last?

    A CAS project should last at least one month from planning to completion, with ongoing engagement rather than a one-day activity.

    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

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