Introduction: Making Learning More Than Academics

Extracurricular activities (ECAs) play a crucial role in students' holistic development. They support academic missions by extending learning beyond the classroom and offer unique opportunities for personal growth and skill development. ECAs are no longer just "add-ons"—they're powerful tools to boost academic achievement, personal development, and overall school spirit. This blog will explore the benefits of ECAs, with a special focus on the growing phenomenon of esports clubs and esports curriculums.

What Are The Benefits of  Extracurricular Activities?

Research consistently shows that students engaged in extracurricular activities exhibit higher grades, better attendance, and increased college enrollment rates. Improved study habits, including time management, effective routines, and more follow-through and pro-social behavior. In a more detailed overview, let’s go over these benefits.

Better Grades and Less Chronic Absenteeism

Extracurricular participation and student engagement go hand in hand, especially when the ECAs are aligned with student interests. For instance, participation in extracurriculars and student clubs such activities are linked to a 2% increase in math and science test scores and a significant boost in college attendance expectations. Moreover, on average, students participating in activities in twelfth grade improve their test performance. In contrast, students who do not participate earn lower scores.*

Research consistently highlights the positive impact of extracurricular activities on student success. Studies by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) show that participation is linked to higher GPAs, improved test scores*, stronger attendance records, and reduced dropout rates* 

Extracurricular activities provide a valuable training ground for essential academic skills.  Students learn to follow instructions and apply them effectively to achieve goals. ECAs also foster perseverance and motivation as students discover that focus and hard work are key ingredients for success. Furthermore, participation teaches valuable goal-setting and problem-solving strategies. 

These skills – following instructions, perseverance, motivation, goal-setting, and problem-solving – all translate directly to academic success.

Extracurricular Activities Help with Resume Building and Career Development

Extracurricular activities are invaluable for resume building and career development. They aid in developing essential soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, time management, and communication, which are highly prized by employers. Many extracurriculars offer leadership opportunities, like leading a club or sports team, showcasing an individual's ability to manage and lead effectively. 

These activities also serve as excellent networking platforms, providing connections that can be pivotal for job opportunities and career growth. Moreover, involvement in extracurriculars demonstrates personal initiative and passion, traits that attract employers seeking proactive employees. For instance, a student enrolled in an esports club could develop a gamer disposition, which is highly prized by employers. 

The gamer disposition, developed through online gaming, equips individuals with traits that are highly beneficial in the modern workplace. Gamers tend to be goal-oriented, embracing systems of assessment to improve rather than just to gain rewards continuously. They appreciate the strength of diversity and understand that effective teamwork springs from a mix of different skills and talents. Gamers also thrive in dynamic environments, are enthusiastic about learning through challenges, and frequently experiment with innovative strategies. These characteristics make them adaptable, collaborative, and inventive—qualities that are prized in various career paths. 

Moreover, a survey of Alberta’s top corporate CEOs and members of the Legislative Assembly revealed that 78.3 percent had participated in ECAs*, further highlighting ECAs' role in career development.

Extracurriculars Increase the College Attainment Rate and Are Great for College Applications

While academic success is undeniably important for college applications, admission officers take a holistic approach to admissions, placing significant importance on other aspects of a student's school life. As the application process becomes increasingly competitive, with more applicants each year, extracurricular activities gain greater significance. These activities showcase a student's well-roundedness, demonstrating diverse interests and skills beyond academics. 

Long-term involvement highlights commitment and dedication, qualities valued by colleges as indicators of success in a demanding academic environment. 

Involvement in extracurricular activities is associated with the following statistics:

• 5% increase in Bachelor’s degree attainment expectations *

• Increased college attainment degree among Hispanics whose first language is not English when they are engaged in high school leadership activities, including extracurriculars *

• Increased number of years of education after high school*

• Increased college attendance and labor force participation among women*

• Black men significantly earn higher wages due to extracurricular involvement*

• On average, students participating in activities in twelfth grade improve their test performance. In contrast, students who do not participate earn lower scores*

Ultimately, a strong extracurricular profile helps students stand out in a crowded applicant pool by showcasing unique experiences and skills that complement their academic achievements.

How to Get Your Students to Attend Extracurriculars? 

Here are some key strategies to maximize the impact of your extracurricular offerings:

• Make Activities Relevant to Student Interests: Students want more autonomy to engage in and design their own learning (1, 2). Therefore, you must involve students in the decision-making process. Let them propose new clubs and activities and participate in shaping the overall program. When students have a say in the extracurricular offerings, they are more likely to feel invested and motivated to participate. They should be able to choose what activities to do and participate in creating a code of conduct. 

• Communicate Benefits:  Clearly communicate the benefits of participating in extracurricular activities, such as skill development, improved academic performance, college application enhancement, and the opportunity to make new friends. Understanding these benefits can motivate students to get involved. Students want their work to be meaningful. They want their efforts to go on something relevant, meaningful, and authentic; in other words, they want it to be worthy of their time and attention.  

• Engage Parents and Community: Keep parents informed and involved in extracurricular activities. Parents can encourage their children to participate and can be a great support system. Additionally, involving community members or alumni can add value and interest to the activities.

• Offer Trial Periods: Allow students to attend a few sessions without commitment. This can help them decide if they really enjoy the activity without feeling pressured to continue if it’s not the right fit.

• Ensure Accessibility: Make sure that all students have the opportunity to participate. This includes scheduling activities at convenient times, providing necessary resources, and making accommodations for students with disabilities.

Esports as an Extracurricular Activity 

73% of children over the age of two engage in video games¹, a number that surges to 97% during their teenage years².  This means that many students in your school are playing video games almost every day, and that's why an example of an excellent extracurricular activity in high school and middle school is esports. Plus, there are plenty of funding opportunities!

Esports becomes a powerful method of instruction and offers structured competition team management and requires strategic thinking, quick reaction times, and cooperative teamwork. It is an excellent ECA as it enables students who might not participate in traditional sports to engage in competitive activities and experience the benefits of being part of a team, such as improved social skills, a sense of community, and enhanced school spirit. Research suggests that the interactive and immersive qualities of games can significantly improve engagement and motivation. Furthermore, 90% of the students participating in the esports classes had not been involved in extracurricular activities before, based on a study.* 

One of the best and easiest ways to incorporate gaming as an extracurricular activity is through esports clubs. Starting an esports club can profoundly impact student engagement, mental health, and even academic performance. If you would like to take things a step further, you could implement an esports curriculum that promotes student development and even integrates it with existing CTE pathways!

Conclusion: A Brighter Future for All Students

The evidence is clear: a thriving extracurricular program is an investment in students' futures. Imagine a school with soaring engagement, lower absenteeism, and college-ready graduates. ECAs are not an add-on; they're essential. We urge educational leaders to embrace this reality by allocating resources, involving students in the process, and promoting the benefits.

Let's empower students through participation in building a brighter future, one ECA at a time.

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