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How We Engage

Lecture Series

The Brother Robert J. Sullivan, C.F.X. Lecture Series brings innovators and leaders to St. John’s Prep to explore how an ethics-based education can shape decision-making in the real world.

Recent speakers include Dr. Danielle Wood, scholar of societal development with a background that includes satellite design, earth science applications, systems engineering, and technology policy. In her research, Prof. Wood applies these skills to design innovative systems that harness space technology to address development challenges around the world. 

View the list of past speakers, including environmentalist Bill McKibben (You can listen to an hour-long podcast students created here as a preview to his visit), Father Greg Boyle, Founder of Homeboy Industries, Vijay Gupta, Social Advocate and Violinist, and Samantha Power, Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN.

Advanced Research Capstone

The Advanced Research Capstone is a critical learning experience that provides an opportunity for intellectual problem solving, social change, and community engagement through the interdisciplinary focus areas of the Center for Mission and Research. The course allows students to deeply explore research methods and design by constructing a focused research-based project in an area of primary interest. By the end of the year, students will showcase their new knowledge through a written research paper, product, and public presentation. Ultimately, this course enables students to engage and reflect on local and global issues in order to contribute towards a more just society. Here is the link to the SJP Advanced Research Capstone website.

Global Education

Global thinking is the capacity to understand ourselves as well as people living in contexts different to our own; to make sense of the global issues of our times and take action toward societal well-being and sustainability; and to do so effectively and ethically in today’s digital landscapes (Harvard, Project Zero).

The Skills We Teach and Practice
  • Collaboration
  • Investigate the World—develop curiosity and methods for deep learning
  • Recognize perspectives of others and self—empathy, growth mindset 
  • Communicate ideas to diverse audiences—self awareness 
  • Viewing selves as players and participants in the world—action, understanding power and responsibility in solving global issues 
St. John's Prep Global Education Program - Study Abroad
  • Fall 2020: Comparing Communities Through Sustainable Development Goals, Saskatchewan, Canada
  • Fall 2021: Connecting Communities Through SDGs, Uttar Pradesh, India & Saskatchewan, Canada
  • Spring/Summer 2023: Designing Solutions for Peace—Issues of Water, Shiv Nadar School India
  • June 2024–February 2025: Exploring Human Rights, Argentina, St. George’s College
  • Spring 2025: Connecting Communities Through SDGs—Issues of Water, Shiv Nadar School, India
SJP Model UN Conference
Each year we host a conference with more than 30 schools from around New England. Committee chairs and delegates practice the skills of research, writing, public speaking, diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiation. Opening ceremonies include keynote speakers who exemplify servant leadership, diplomacy, intercultural understanding, and negotiation. 

Collaboration and Community

The Center directors collaborate with faculty and staff across disciplines to build resources, programs, and professional development that enhance understanding of issues related to original student research and the Center’s areas of focus.