Discover High School Clubs and Extracurricular Activities

High school is a process of discovery that’s more than just academics. At any point in your high school journey, joining clubs and extracurricular activities is a great way to explore your interests, build skills, and make memories. 

Why Try Clubs and Activities?

• Discover what makes you tick: Whether it’s writing, coding, or volunteering, clubs and activities give you real-life experience with what you’re passionate about. To learn more about what moves you, take the Career Quiz. It not only uncovers careers and majors that align with your skills, interests, and talents but also sparks ideas for clubs and activities to try on for size.
• Build your résumé: Your passions highlight who you are and help you stand out when applying to colleges, internships, or jobs. 
• Find your people: Clubs are a great way to connect with others who share your love for deep dives, whether you’re into gaming, debating, robotics, or anything else.

How to Choose the Right High School Club or Activity for You

In the scramble to meet expectations and fulfill responsibilities, high schoolers can lose sight of what’s important to them. Get in touch with what you love: Ask yourself, “What do I love doing in my free time? What school subjects fascinate me? What skills do I want to learn or improve?”

Next, consider the following ideas for clubs and activities to check out, along with the career paths they align with. Keep in mind not every option here will reflect what’s available at your school. Be sure to explore your school’s offerings to find your best fit.

Academic Clubs

• STEM Clubs (Robotics, Science Olympiad, Coding Clubs): 
  • STEM clubs are perfect if you love building, experimenting, or problem solving. Work on robots, compete in science competitions, or collaborate on coding projects and hackathons. 
  • Thinking of becoming a future engineer, doctor, or software developer? Joining a STEM club can deepen your experience in AP courses like AP Computer Science, AP Physics or AP Biology.
• Debate or Speech Teams
  • If you enjoy persuading people or tackling tough questions, debate or speech teams hone your communication and critical thinking skills. Build your public-speaking confidence while competing with other students to research a pressing issue, craft a powerful argument, and present a compelling case.
  • These teams are great for aspiring lawyers, politicians, or public speakers. Taking AP U.S Government and Politics or AP English turbocharges your argumentation expertise and showcases your speaking skills.
• Math Clubs
  • Dive into fun and challenging puzzles, compete in math contests, and collaborate with other number-loving students.
  •  If you’re into problem solving, participating in a math club could pave the way for a career in finance, data science, or actuarial studies. AP courses like AP Precalculus or AP Statistics add skills and knowledge you can use.

Creative Outlets 

• Art or Photography Clubs
  • Let your creativity shine—develop personal visual arts projects, explore new art styles, or showcase your work in school exhibits. Express yourself, whether it’s through mural painting, experimental photography techniques, or digital logo design.
  • For future graphic designers, architects, or multimedia specialists, arts clubs combined with courses like AP Art and Design or AP Art History can take your portfolio to the next level. 
• Drama or Theater Clubs
  • Step into the spotlight or work behind the scenes to bring stories to life. Drama clubs often produce plays or musicals and give you hands-on interaction with everything from acting and directing to set and costume design.
  • Drama clubs are a great outlet for future actors, directors, or screenwriters. Combine them with a course like AP English, and apply the powerful nuances of storytelling to your life and work.

Career Clubs

• Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
  • This student business organization introduces you to real-world business and leadership. Participate in business competitions, create a business plan, or hear guest speakers in various industries.
  • If business or entrepreneurship excites you, taking AP Macroeconomics along with participation in FBLA can jumpstart your future career.
• Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
  • Explore the healthcare field through this hands-on club. You’ll learn about medical professions, participate in events like health science fairs, and build skills like CPR or first aid. 
  • Perfect for aspiring healthcare professionals; take courses like AP Biology or AP Psychology for greater insight into public health, the patient experience, and more. 
• Environmental Clubs 
  • Tackle sustainability challenges, from organizing recycling drives to planting trees to cleaning the environment. Environmental clubs empower you to make a difference while connecting with nature.
  • Future conservationists, scientists, or sustainability advocates can combine club participation with AP Environmental Science to dive deeper into climate change solutions. 

Social and Service-Oriented Clubs 

• Key Club or National Honor Society
  • If giving back to your community motivates you, these organizations offer service opportunities that show colleges of your choice that you care. 
• Cultural Clubs
  • Cultural clubs give you insight into your own or other cultures. Experience and connect with the food, languages, and history of another culture or share your own. 

Athletics and Physical Activities 

Sports teams like soccer, track, or swimming are about more than competition. Joining a sports team promotes discipline, teamwork, and staying active. Set goals and experience working toward those goals with teammates.  

Start Your Own Club or Activity

What if you don’t see a club or activity that moves you? Start your own and bring your passion to life.

• Find Your Focus: What’s something you love that isn’t already represented at your school? Whether it’s chess, anime, or entrepreneurship, chances are others will be interested too.
• Get Approved: Work with a teacher or adviser to create a proposal and pitch it to your school administration.
• Build Excitement: Promote your club at events like open houses or activity fairs. Posters and social media can help spread the word.

Join clubs and activities and discover what excites you, meet amazing people, and build your big future.