Extracurricular Options
Academic Clubs and Competitive Teams
These activities are based on a certain academic subject and include both clubs (groups to discuss and practice certain subjects) and competitive teams. Academic teams have competitions that take place at all levels, from local to national. Some examples are: English Club, National Honor Society, Robotics Club, National Spelling Bee, Quiz Bowl
Art
These activities will allow you to express yourself artistically. Whether that is on paper, through a lens, on stage, on a computer, and through several other media. Examples of these are Anime/Manga Club, Fashion design, Graphic Design, Jewelry Making, Photography, High School or Community Theater Program, Video Game Development Club
Cultural and Language
These activities may help you reconnect with your roots, or allow you to get a taste of the world's diversity without ever leaving home. There are many other cultural and language-related activities that you can participate in. Some examples of these are African American Student Alliances/Clubs, Chinese Club, International Food Club, Latin Club, Pacific Islanders Club, South Asian Student Society, Spanish Club
Community Involvement
These activities will allow you to get involved in your community and can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Some example of these are 4-H, Do Something, Habitat for Humanity, Key Club, Leo Club, Sisters on the Runway
Government
Are you interested in making a difference in your school, community, or on a larger scale, through policy? Try a government-related activity to see if this could be a career interest for you! Some examples of these are Youth Board, Junior State of America, Student Council, Student Government, Community Government
Performance Art + Music
Love to perform? There are many outlets in your school and in your community to get on a stage, make an audience laugh or cry, play an instrument, or even sing. Some examples of these are School or Church Chorus/Choir, Concert or Marching or Jazz Band, Orchestra, Film Club, Dance, Film Production Club, Slam Poetry Club
Roleplaying/Fantasy
Did you know your love of fantasy can also be an extracurricular activity? Participating in one of these groups can show a dedication to many different creative skills: The Civil War Reenactors, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Gamers Club, LARPing (Live Action Role Playing), Renaissance Faires
Social Activism
These groups may have chapters in your school or your community. If there's a cause you're passionate about, seek out the local group that supports it. Some examples of these are Amnesty International, Animal Rights Club, Breast Cancer Awareness, Cancer Foundation, Environmental Club, Fair Trade Club, Gay-Straight Alliance, Girls Lean International, NOW—National Organization for Women
Special Interest
If you have a special interest in something that you can't find a local group for, consider creating one or join a national group. You can communicate with other people who have the same interest online, and attend meet-ups throughout the year. Some examples of these are Boy Scouts, Chess Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Girl Scouts
Speech and Political Interest
If you have a knack for recognizing faulty logic and destroying opponents' arguments, try one of these clubs. Many schools will sponsor these groups and some of them are competitive on local and national levels. Some examples of these are Debate Club, Forensics Team, Mock Trial Club, Model United Nations, National Speech and Debate Association, Speech Club
Sports and Recreation
You probably already know about the sports teams at your schools, but there are also many opportunities to participate outside of those. Try doing extramural sports, join a club league in your community, or consider coaching a youth team.