EdStart Guide
Extracurriculars: What They Are and Why They Matter
Clubs, sports, arts, work, volunteering, and more. How to choose, plan, and grow your impact.
Disclaimer: Programs and policies change. Confirm details with your school or organization.
What counts as an extracurricular?
Anything meaningful you do outside regular class time. This includes:
- Clubs: Robotics, DECA, Model UN, culture, service, environment.
- Sports & fitness: School teams, community leagues, martial arts.
- Arts & media: Band, choir, theater, dance, film, photography, design.
- STEM & making: Coding, math team, science fair, makerspace projects.
- Volunteering: Tutoring, park cleanups, youth councils, faith-based service.
- Jobs & internships: Part-time work, summer internships, family business.
- Competitions: Hackathons, Olympiads, debate, writing and art contests.
- Family/community roles: Caregiving, translation for relatives, event organizing.
How extracurriculars help (concrete wins)
- Real skills: Leadership, teamwork, time-management, problem-solving.
- Friends & belonging: Teams and clubs build community and confidence.
- Well-being: Movement, creativity, and purpose support mental health.
- College & career: Depth over time tells a strong story on applications and resumes.
- Scholarships: Many awards value service, leadership, and sustained commitment.
How to pick and plan
- Identify interests: List what excites you (tech, art, sports, service, media).
- Scan what exists: Check your schools– club directory and athletics page; ask friends and teachers.
- Start with two: One low-effort club you can attend weekly + one passion area to grow.
- Find an adult ally: Email a teacher/coach/counselor: May I sit in on the next meeting?
- No club yet? Draft a short mission, find a staff advisor, apply through ASB/Activities.
- Plan the week: Block two activity times and two study blocks; protect one rest day.
- Check logistics: Ask about late buses, fee waivers, equipment loans, and rideshares.
Sample weekly schedule
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | Club check-in | Study / homework | Friend hangout | Counselor drop-in | Plan next week |
| 3-4 PM | KCLS tutoring | Robotics build | Exercise / walk | Volunteering | Portfolio / journal |
| 4-5 PM | Homework block | Homework block | Club meeting | Homework block | Family / community |
Tip: Put activity times in your phone calendar and tell a friend for accountability.
Depth vs. breadth: build 1-2 spikes
Sample timelines that show growth over time:
STEM Maker
- Fall: Join robotics coding/CAD subteam
- Winter: Compete; document builds
- Spring: Mentor middle school team
- Next year: Lead subteam; publish portfolio
Arts & Media
- Fall: Photo/film club; cover events
- Winter: Edit reels; assist theater tech
- Spring: Curate a small exhibit
- Next year: Run workshops; submit to teen shows
Community Leadership
- Fall: Service club; log impact
- Winter: Plan donation/drive
- Spring: Pitch a city youth project
- Next year: Youth council or nonprofit role
Local links (Bellevue & Lake Washington area)
School activities & athletics
Libraries & homework help
City youth programs
Common regional orgs
Frequently asked questions
I don't have a ride.
Ask about activity/late buses and carpool options. Choose on-campus or virtual activities when needed.
I can't afford fees or gear.
Ask your ASB/athletics office about fee waivers, equipment loans, and scholarships. Many programs have support.
I am too busy.
Do two things well: one easy weekly club + one spike that you grow each season. Protect homework and a rest day.
I am shy or new to English.
Start with welcoming spaces: library teen programs, art/photo club, coding club, or city youth centers. Bring a friend to the first meeting.
Explore opportunities with EdStart
Find internships, volunteering, clubs, and summer programs curated for students.