As a school administrator or counselor, you know that after-school programming is important for the overall development of your students.
But what kind of after-school activities are most effective for student engagement and development that don’t fall under the all-encompassing sports catch-all? Not everything ought to be physical.
We’ve broken them down into two categories – non-athletic and career-centered programs – to make it easier for you to find the right fit for your school.
Non-Athletic After-School Program Ideas:
- Debate
- Chess
- Acting Club
- Robotics
- Music or singing
- Dance Club
- Tutoring / Mentoring
- Volunteerism
Career-Centered After-School Program Ideas:
- Coding
- Business Club
- Sports Team Management
- Radio Club
- Student Government
- Journalism
- Environmental Club
- STEM Club
Continue reading to learn more about effective after-school programming, including a list of ideas for both types of after-school activities.
But first, let’s take a look at the benefits of after-school programs.
Connect your students to local and online after-school programs personalized to them by using the spotivity mobile app. School counselors and admins can track their progress and engagement in the spotivity portal. Try the #1 school engagement platform free, for 6 months.
Why Are After-School Programs Essential for Schools?
Research shows that after-school programs can have a positive impact on academic performance, social-emotional development, and college and career readiness.
For example, a study by the after-school advocacy organization America’s Promise found that students who participated in after-school programming were more likely to:
- Earn higher grades
- Attend school more regularly
- Feel safer in their neighborhoods
In addition, after-school programs can help close the achievement gap by providing students with opportunities to explore their interests and talents, develop new skills, and receive academic support.
What Are Some Effective Non-Athletic After-School Programs?
There are all sorts of after-school programs out there, catering to all sorts of different interests. And they don’t have to be boring!
Here are some popular ones:
Debate Club: Does your student love arguing? Debate club is perfect. In debate club, students learn how to research both sides of an issue and then argue their point convincingly.
Robotics: Robotics clubs are great for students interested in engineering and technology. In these clubs, students work together to build and program robots to compete in tournaments.
Mentoring: Sometimes putting students in the hot seat of mentoring another student brings out the best in them. They’ll learn how to be patient and articulate, as well as build leadership skills.
Volunteering: Giving back to the community is important, and there are many after-school programs that allow students to do just that. They can volunteer at a local soup kitchen or animal shelter, or even help out with environmental clean-up projects.
Chess: Is strategy what your student likes? Chess club is perfect. In chess club, students learn how to think ahead and plan their moves carefully.
Dance Club: Dance clubs are great for students who want to get active and have fun at the same time. These clubs usually meet after school to practice various dance routines.
Maybe your student wants to focus more on a future career. Here are some ideas.
What Are Some Effective Career-Centered After-School Programs?
There are a number of after-school programs that can help teens get ahead in their careers and the future job market. And they are not boring!
Here are some of our favorites:
Coding Club: This club teaches young students the basics of coding and computer programming. It’s a great way to get ahead in today’s tech-centric job market.
Business & Entrepreneurship: This club helps teach teens about basic business principles, such as marketing, accounting, and customer service.
Student Government: It sounds boring, but it’s not. This involves the student body electing a group of peers to represent them and make decisions about the school. Great real-world experience in handling responsibility, working with others, and democracy.
Sports Team Management: For the sports enthusiasts out there, this club helps teens learn about the business side of things. They’ll learn valuable skills in marketing, budgeting, and event planning.
Radio Club: This is a fun one. Students will learn how to operate a radio station and produce their own shows. A great way to get creative and have some fun.One school in Maryland, for example, offers an after-school program called “The CEO Academy” that teaches students about business and entrepreneurship.
One school in Maryland, for example, offers an after-school program called “The CEO Academy” that teaches students about business and entrepreneurship.
Another school in Arizona offers an after-school program called “Destination Graduation” that helps students with college and career planning.
There are a variety of after-school program options available to schools.
The key is to find the right mix of programs that meet the needs and interests of your students.
Summary
It can be challenging to develop after-school program ideas because all kids are different. No longer are school clubs related to AV or chess, but a good school offers something for everyone.
School counselors and admins can use the spotivity mobile app and online portal to help their students find local and online after-school programs customized to their interests.
After students download the app, they will take a personalized survey that connects them with programs made for their interests. As they participate in any program, school admins and counselors can safely track engagement and compare metrics against their school peers.
Try spotivity for 6 months, 100% free by clicking here.
