Extracurricular activities for social engagement (2024)

* Journal subscription may be required for access.

1 Durlak 2010 - Durlak JA, Weissberg RP, Pachan M. A meta-analysis of after-school programs that seek to promote personal and social skills in children and adolescents. American Journal of Community Psychology. 2010;45(3-4):294–309.

2 HFRP-Little 2008 - Little PMD, Wimer C, Weiss HB. After school programs in the 21st century: Their potential and what it takes to achieve it. Cambridge: Harvard Family Research Project (HFRP); 2008: Brief Number 10.

3 YG-Afterschool - Youth.gov (YG), Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (IWGYP). Afterschool programs.

4 CG-Anderson 2003a - Anderson LM, Scrimshaw SC, Fullilove MT, Fielding JE, Task Force on Community Preventive Services. The Community Guide’s model for linking the social environment to health. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2003;24(3S):12-20.

5 Urban-Moore 1999 - Moore K, Ehrle J. Children’s environment and behavior: Participation in extracurricular activities. Washington, D.C.: Assessing the New Federalism (ANF), Urban Institute; 1999.

6 Farb 2012 - Farb AF, Matjasko JL. Recent advances in research on school-based extracurricular activities and adolescent development. Developmental Review. 2012;32(1):1–48.

7 Bungay 2013 - Bungay H, Vella-Burrows T. The effects of participating in creative activities on the health and well-being of children and young people: A rapid review of the literature. Perspectives in Public Health. 2013;133(1):44-52.

8 Camacho 2015 - Camacho DE, Fuligni AJ. Extracurricular participation among adolescents from immigrant families. Empirical Research. 2015;44(6):1251-1262.

9 Knifsend 2018 - Knifsend CA, Camacho-Thompson DE, Juvonen J, Graham S. Friends in activities, school-related affect, and academic outcomes in diverse middle schools. Journal of Youth and Adolescence. 2018;47(6):1208-1220.

10 Grogan 2014 - Grogan KE, Henrich CC, Malikina MV. Student engagement in after-school programs, academic skills, and social competence among elementary school students. Child Development Research. 2014:498506.

11 RAND-Bodilly 2005 - Bodilly S, Beckett MK. Making out-of-school-time matter: Evidence for an action agenda. Santa Monica: RAND Corporation; 2005.

12 Vandell 2007 - Vandell DL, Reisner ER, Pierce KM. Outcomes linked to high-quality afterschool programs: Longitudinal findings from the study of promising afterschool programs. Irvine: University of California, Irvine, Department of Education; 2007.

13 Meier 2018 - Meier A, Hartman B, Larson R. A quarter century of participation in school-based extracurricular activities: Inequalities by race, class, gender and age? Journal of Youth Adolescence. 2018;47(6):1299-1316.

14 Taheri 2015 - Taheri SA, Welsh BC. After-school programs for delinquency prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Criminology & Penology. 2015:1-19.

15 Kremer 2015 - Kremer KP, Maynard BR, Polanin JR, Vaughn MG, Sarteschi CM. Effects of after-school programs with at-risk youth on attendance and externalizing behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Youth and Adolescence. 2015;4(3):616-636.

16 Leos-Urbel 2015 - Leos-Urbel J. What works after school? The relationship between after-school program quality, program attendance, and academic outcomes. Youth Society. 2015;47(5):684-706.

17 Vandell 2013 - Vandell DL. Afterschool program quality and student outcomes: reflections on positive key findings on learning and development from recent research. In: Expanding minds and opportunities: Leveraging the power of afterschool and summer learning for student success. Expanded Learning & Afterschool Project; 2013:10-16.

18 ASA - Afterschool Alliance (ASA). Keep kids safe and inspire them to learn.

19 Tibbitts 2019 - Tibbitts B, Porter A, Sebire SJ, et al. Action 3:30R: Process evaluation of a cluster randomised feasibility study of a revised teaching assistant-led extracurricular physical activity intervention for 8 to 10 year olds. BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):1111.

20 Triple Play - Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Triple Play: A game plan for mind, body, and soul.

21 TOP - Wyman Teen Outreach Program (TOP). Teen Outreach Program: Help transform teens and change communities.

22 ASAS - After-School All-Stars (ASA). Comprehensive after-school programs.

23 WINGS - WINGS for Kids (WING). WINGS: Helping kids soar.

24 CA-After school - California Department of Education. After school education & safety program.

25 Kitchens 2018 - Kitchens KE, Gormley W. The Hispanic extracurricular participation gap. Social Science Quarterly. 2018;99(5):1776-1790.

26 Heath 2018 - Heath RD, Anderson C, Turner AC, Payne CM. Extracurricular activities and disadvantaged youth: A complicated—but promising—story. Urban Education. 2018:1-35.

27 Mahoney 2009 - Mahoney JL, Parente ME, Zigler EF. Afterschool programs in America: Origins, growth, popularity, and politics. Journal of Youth Development. 2009;4(3):090403FA002.

28 Gorski 2021 - Gorski KJ. In school for after school: The relationship between extracurricular participation and school engagement. Sociological Forum. 2021;36(1):248-270.

Extracurricular activities for social engagement (2024)

FAQs

How extracurricular activities improve social skills? ›

There is strong evidence that extracurricular activities increase self-esteem and positive social behaviors among children and adolescents1, 2, 3. Extracurricular activities are also a suggested strategy to increase social support systems, develop social skills and relationships, and enhance neighborhood cohesion4, 5.

What extracurricular activities have you engaged in? ›

Sample Answers About Extracurricular Activities
  • Resident Assistant. At college, I was a resident assistant for two semesters and held a leadership position in student government. ...
  • Drama Club Member. I was a member of my school's drama club for all four years of college. ...
  • Music Program Accomplishments. ...
  • School Athletics.
Sep 19, 2022

What is the best example of extra curricular activities? ›

For example, getting involved at a place of worship or volunteering at your local humane society. This is just as beneficial as participating in a school group. Similarly, teens can participate in community-based arts programs, like community theater or chorus.

What is extracurricular engagement? ›

Extracurricular activities provide a channel for reinforcing the lessons learned in the classroom, offering students the opportunity to apply academic skills in a real-world context, and are thus considered part of a well-rounded education.

What increases social skills? ›

Try Social Interactions with Activities

You'll get practice speaking to people and building connections, but you'll also have the added benefit of having an activity to take the attention off of you. Plus, it should give you plenty to talk about as you can ask questions about the activity you're doing.

Is there a way to improve social skills? ›

Start in small ways

Start developing your social skills in small ways by engaging with people you interact with on a daily basis. For instance, if you're out shopping, you might reply with a question instead of a one-word answer when a checkout clerk asks how your day is going.

How do I make my extracurriculars stand out? ›

It's important to remember that quality is more important than quantity. Focus on a few extracurriculars that truly matter to you, and dedicate your time and energy to them. This will allow you to excel in those areas and make a meaningful impact, which will definitely make you stand out on your college applications.

What extracurriculars does Harvard like? ›

Strong Extracurriculars

Extracurricular activities can consist of community service, athletics, music, theater, or any other passions and commitments that students pursue outside of school. High school students who get into Harvard tend to have leadership positions when applicable.

What is a Tier 1 extracurricular activities? ›

Tier 1 extracurriculars are like hitting a home run in the eyes of admissions officers. They're rare and exceptional, showcasing outstanding achievement or leadership.

What are 5 benefits of extra curricular activities? ›

Here are the top 6 benefits of participating in extracurricular activities and sports.
  • Cultivates Leadership Opportunities. ...
  • Enhances Teamwork Experience. ...
  • Develops Time Management Skills. ...
  • Promotes Networking Skills. ...
  • Fosters Confidence. ...
  • Increases Academic Performance.

What is a good amount of extracurriculars? ›

Though 5 – 6 is the most ideal amount, that's not to say that some students don't do well with fewer activities – sometimes significantly fewer!

Can extracurricular activities be hobbies? ›

Hobbies, interests, and volunteer work outside of school are also considered extracurricular activities.

What is extracurricular vs co-curricular activities? ›

Co-curricular programs are defined as those activities that enhance and enrich the regular curriculum during the normal school day. Extracurricular programs are defined as those activities that broaden the educational experience which usually take place beyond the normal school day.

What is a cultural extracurricular? ›

An extracurricular activity (ECA) or extra academic activity (EAA) or cultural activities is an activity, performed by students, that falls outside the realm of the normal curriculum of school, college or university education.

What are the benefits of social activities? ›

There are several benefits to being socially active, including:
  • Improved social skills.
  • Improved academic performance.
  • Positive attitude.
  • Enhanced self-esteem.
  • Connection to peers, groups, and your community.
  • Reduced risk of illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease and dementias.

How do extracurricular activities help students mentally? ›

The research found that engaging in extracurricular activities can help reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

What are the benefits of social skills in play? ›

Social play, especially taking part in team games, encourages children to lead, or support their teammates, with a wealth of opportunities to share, take turns and show respect for others. It is a great way of encouraging children to learn and to practise all the skills that working together requires.

How can extracurricular activities help individuals? ›

Here are the top 6 benefits of participating in extracurricular activities and sports.
  • Cultivates Leadership Opportunities. ...
  • Enhances Teamwork Experience. ...
  • Develops Time Management Skills. ...
  • Promotes Networking Skills. ...
  • Fosters Confidence. ...
  • Increases Academic Performance.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 5936

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Birthday: 2001-08-13

Address: 96487 Kris Cliff, Teresiafurt, WI 95201

Phone: +9418513585781

Job: Senior Designer

Hobby: Calligraphy, Rowing, Vacation, Geocaching, Web surfing, Electronics, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.