Diplomas with Distinction

Diplomas with Distinction:
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Through this unique offering, students take ownership of their learning, apply knowledge in real-world contexts, and connect with industry practitioners to envision pathways for their future.

Students may achieve a Diploma with Distinction in any of seven fields:

Each distinction culminates in a capstone project, where students demonstrate mastery and innovation in their chosen field. Projects are designed to inspire critical thinking, creativity, and meaningful engagement with the world.

Capstone Examples:

Mentoring at the Boys and Girls Club and creating resources to support immigrant children
Psychoanalytic portraiture inspired by Carl Jung’s “Archetypes”
Arduino robot designed to fetch a remote control from under a couch
Investigating opioid use following plastic surgery
Learning traditional weaving techniques in Guatemala
Studying global healthcare inequities
Assisting in lung transplant surgeries with a surgeon
Engineering analysis of ice rink cooling systems with proposed upgrades
Researching U.S. territories’ rights and historical claims
Water quality analysis along the Spurwink River
Mapping bilingualism in education and exploring language-learning theory in France
Internship at an Immigrant Welcome Center, learning American Sign Language
In-depth exploration of investment strategies and stock market operations
Cancer research with laboratory rats
Game design projects
Planning, marketing, and performing cello, voice, and flute concerts in the community
Designing custom cosmetic foundations for diverse skin types
Publishing and presenting original creative work to the public
Collaborative engineering projects in the field

A curly-haired student reviewing notes at a classroom desk

Honoring Advanced Study

Through the Diploma with Distinction, NYA students achieve high-level proficiency in their field of study while engaging deeply with real-world challenges. Every project, connection, and exploration is inspired by the student’s curiosity, creativity, and drive to make a meaningful impact—preparing them to excel in college and beyond.

Students who pursue one or more Distinctions will be formally recognized on their diploma, celebrating their exceptional achievements and commitment to advanced study.