High School Clubs

There’s no question that high school is a busy time. With classes, homework, exams, and the looming responsibility of getting into a good college or university, finding extra time can feel impossible. 

But you should know that if you have a few extra hours to spare each week, joining a high school club will be well worth your time. Not only will adding a club or other extracurricular activity to your resume make you more appealing to colleges and universities, but clubs have also been proven to lead to better academic, health, and career outcomes.

Most high schools offer dozens of clubs, including art club, history club, and so much more. In this article, we highlight and explain 36 of the most popular.

Academic Clubs

Biology Club

Biology Club dives deeper into the topics that you touch in biology class. There are so many different fields of biology, and the biology club will give you ample time to start discussing everything that interests you. Like other academic clubs, biology clubs are typically led by a teacher who can help you pinpoint your exact interests and decide which educational path will set you up for the career that you want to pursue. 

Chemistry Club 

If you’re a chemistry buff, it would be difficult to find a better way to spend your free time than by joining your high school’s chemistry club. Chemistry club further explores all of the aspects of chemistry that you won’t necessarily discuss in the classroom. You’ll develop a better understanding of the role of chemistry in our everyday lives and receive information about the many ways that you could turn your love of chemistry into a rewarding career. 

Computer Science Club

Computer science and information technology jobs are expected to grow by 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. By joining the computer science club, you’ll develop a fundamental understanding of computer science techniques and job paths, putting yourself ahead of the competition. 

Creative Writing Club

Do you find yourself happiest when you’re spilling your creative mind onto paper or through your keyboard? If so, you should take a quick break and sign up for your high school’s creative writing club. Being surrounded by teachers and like-minded peers involved with the creative writing club will help you further develop your creative writing abilities. 

Debate Club

Debate club will provide you with many important life and career skills, including how to be an effective public speaker, how to form a well-reasoned argument, how to persuade others to share your point of view, and more. As a member of a debate club, you may compete against students from your own school or those in debate clubs at nearby schools and discuss a wide range of topics. 

Engineering Club

There are many different types of engineering. Whether you are certain about the type of engineering you’re interested in or simply have a knack for building things and want to explore your options, joining the engineering club would be a good move. Chances are, you’ll get to work on a wide variety of cool projects, from woodworking to even building robots. If you have a desire to pursue engineering in college and as a career, it helps to pick up the fundamentals in high school.  

Foreign Language Club

Whether you’re trying to boost your foriegn language skills or looking for a place to comfortably speak your native language, foreign language clubs are often a lot of fun. In addition to exploring language, a foreign language club often dives into the culture and cuisines of other countries. Those in Spanish language club, for example, may learn about the architectural history of Mexico City or the historical significance of bullfighting in Spain and have nights where everyone brings in home-cooked Mexican and/or Spanish dishes.

Future Business Leaders of America

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is an organization that can help set you up for a successful career in business. As a member of your high school’s FBLA chapter, you’ll participate in educational programs, academic competitions, community service projects, and networking events with accomplished business professionals. 

High School Paper

If you’re passionate about storytelling or have an interest in writing or editing, there’s no better club to join than the school paper. School papers typically cover school-related events and activities, such as sporting events, dances, parades, and more. While they may have faculty member advisors, school papers are typically staffed and managed entirely by students. Like professional papers, school newspapers often have reporters, editors, photographers, publishers, cartoonists, and sales/marketing representatives. For more information about school newspapers, check here. 

History Club

If your history class is your nirvana, you should absolutely join your high school’s history club. Oftentimes, history clubs invite local historians to lecture and chat about fascinating topics. In history club, you’ll likely be able to converse with history teachers at your school about the topics that you’re interested in that aren’t a part of your curriculum. And there’s a chance that you may even be able to go on after-school field trips to historically relevant places in and around your town or city. 

Mathletes

Mathletes are students who compete in any type of mathematics competition. As a member of your high school’s mathletes team, you may compete against nearby high schools or train to compete in individual or other team-based competitions, many of which are held online. Naturally, being a member of your high school’s mathletes team looks really good on a college application, particularly if you’re interested in studying mathematics or a related subject in college. 

Model Congress

As the name indicates, Model Congress is a role-playing simulation of the United States Congress. Students create mock bills to be presented and voted on. Members gain a more comprehensive understanding of the political system and the legislative process, making it particularly valuable for those interested in pursuing political careers. 

Model United Nations 

As a program administered by most high schools and middle schools in the United States, Model UN teaches students about diplomacy, foreign relations, and the operations of the United Nations. It is a simulation of the UN General Assembly in which students role-play as delegates representing countries around the world and discuss major global issues, including climate change, global health, and much more.  

Philosophy Club

Many high schools don’t offer philosophy classes. So if you find yourself interested in philosophy, the best way for you to explore the topic is by joining your high school’s philosophy club. Oftentimes, philosophy clubs are led by teachers or upperclassmen who have studied the subject. Your high school club will typically assign some philosophical readings that you will discuss with your peers during club time. 

Photography Club

If you’re interested in pursuing photography as a career or simply want to further explore your photography hobby, your high school’s photography club would be a great fit. Not only will you be surrounded by those who share your interests, but you’ll also learn more about the field. At photography club, you’ll learn about image taking and film developing techniques and methods, receive constructive criticism from peers and professionals, and, of course, have the opportunity to take images. 

Community Involvement Clubs

Asian Awareness Club

As a member of the Asian Awareness club, you’ll explore Asian cultures, celebrations, and issues and develop ways to effectively teach them to others in your high school and broader communities. Depending on where you live, you may participate in and/or help organize city-wide events that celebrate and teach Asian culture. 

Black Student Alliance 

Black Student Alliances (BSA) aren’t just clubs. They’re communities. As a member of your high school’s BSA, you’ll receive ample support, resources, encouragement, and knowledge intended to make your experience more positive and rewarding. Additionally, you may work in a variety of ways to expand cultural awareness and acceptance in your high school and your broader community. 

Environmental Club

If you’re passionate about preserving the environment, think about joining your high school’s environmental club. Depending on your high school’s location and the club’s specific missions, your time could be spent in a wide variety of ways. You could spend time picking up trash in the community, volunteering at bigger environmental organizations in your city, or even organizing protests and marches, among other things. 

Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Club

Many high schools, colleges, and universities throughout the United States have GSA clubs. GSA clubs serve many purposes. They are there to help LGBTQ+ students to meet and connect with other LGBTQ+ students, serve as a space for conversation around LGBTQ+ issues, and provide students with opportunities to organize to develop ideas and strategies to raise awareness and change policies and practices in their schools and broader communities. 

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity works to make sure that everyone has stable shelter. The organization does everything from building homes to providing financial education to community members. Most high schools and colleges in the United States have a Habitat for Humanity campus chapter that you can join if you’re passionate about helping to solve issues around housing. 

Key Club

Key Club is a giant, multinational charity and volunteer organization. By joining your high school’s Key Club, you’ll find yourself participating in many activities that benefit your local community, including things like park cleanups, clothing drives, and food drives. If you stick with the club, you’ll have the opportunity to lead meetings, plan projects, and run for leadership positions at the club, district, and international levels. 

Latinx Club

Latinx clubs bring students together to celebrate and explore Latinx cultures. Club members learn about events, celebrations, issues, religions, and everything else that influences and shapes various Latinx cultures. You may listen to lectures from speakers involved with the Latinx community or participate in and/or help organize Latinx events in your community. 

Red Cross Club

As a member of the Red Cross club, your time will literally be spent helping to save people’s lives. For that reason, it’s hard to think of a more valuable way to spend your time. Student members typically help plan and implement projects and fundraisers to raise money for the organization. If your high school does not have a Red Cross club, check here for information about how to start one. 

Tutoring Club

If you’re a strong student with a desire to help others, you should consider joining your high school’s tutoring club. Most of your time will be spent tutoring students enrolled in local middle or elementary schools or even those attending your own high school. When it comes to receiving tutoring help, it can often be easier to learn from a peer than from a teacher. By joining the tutoring club, you can provide much-needed help. Additionally, if you plan to study education in college and become a teacher, tutoring can give you a lot of great practice. 

Young Democrats 

Most high school students aren’t old enough to vote, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help influence politics. As a member of the Young Democrats club, you’ll actively participate in campaigns to help Democrats reach office at the local, state, and federal levels and advocate for Democratic policies in your community and throughout the nation. Joining the Young Democrats club is a great idea for any aspiring Democratic politician or advocator. 

Young Republicans

Young Republicans work hard to help Republicans reach office at the local, state, and federal levels by participating in campaigns and advocating for Republican policies in their community and throughout the country. Joining the Young Republicans club is a great idea for any aspiring Republican politician or advocator. 

Hobby Clubs

Book Club

If you’re a literature buff and want a group of peers to talk about your literary adventures with, there is no better way to spend your free time than by joining your high school’s book club. You’ll get to dive into the books that interest you and be turned on to books that interest your peers. 

Chess Club

Chess club is a high school staple. If you love the game and are eager to test out and improve your skills, join your high school’s chess club. As a member, you get to boost your game and scratch your competitive itch by competing against your peers and those from nearby high schools. 

eSports Club

Those in the eSports club compete against each other and those around the country (or even world) in organized, multiplayer video game competitions. Over recent years, eSports have evolved and grown tremendously. Many colleges and universities have established eSports programs, assuming that eSports will soon become a pillar of the entertainment industry. Like traditional sports, gaming can now help you pay for college. Many colleges and universities offer esports scholarships for those interested in the field and willing to play collegiately. 

Film Club

Is one of your favorite things in this world sitting down to watch a good film? Film club members spend the bulk of their time watching and analyzing movies, documentaries, shorts, and more. You’ll be able to introduce your peers to your favorite flicks and have the opportunity to watch things that you otherwise would never have. 

Glee Club

If you’ve seen the show “Glee” or have a relative who loves musical-theater music, you likely already have a good idea regarding what glee club is all about. Like choirs, glee clubs typically include a wide range of voices, however, glee clubs usually focus on fun, snappy songs, rather than classic choral arrangements. 

Guitar Club

Again, while most high schools have organized jazz bands, marching bands, orchestras, and choirs, they don’t always give students the opportunity to play guitar (particularly rock guitar) during school hours. So if you want an organized space to play with your peers, you should think about joining the club. While some of your time may be spent talking about and listening to the greatest guitar players throughout history, the bulk of your time will likely be spent playing along with and learning from the other guitar players in the club. 

Hip-Hop/Rap Club

Most high schools have organized jazz bands, marching bands, orchestras, and choirs. But if you’re into hip hop and/or rap, your best option is typically to join a club. These clubs vary in size and structure, but most often club members spend their time listening to, appreciating, and analyzing hip-hop and rap music. Occasionally, clubs will attend concerts and host performances. 

Quiz Bowl

Quiz bowl is like Jeopardy. It typically involves two teams competing against each other by racing to answer questions on a wide variety of topics, including history, pop culture, literature, science, sports, arts, and more. If you’re a trivia expert and want to compete against some worthy competition — instead of just screaming at the TV when Jeopardy is on — joining your high school’s quiz bowl team is the way to go. 

Outdoor Clubs 

High schools offer many different types of outdoor clubs. Based on your location, your high school may offer a hiking, rafting, fishing, or hunting club, for example. If you enjoy the great outdoors, check out what your school has to offer. You’ll get to explore places and activities you otherwise wouldn’t have and meet like-minded people.

Skateboarding Club

Particularly if you live in a metropolitan area, there is a good chance that your high school offers a skateboarding club. Whether you’re a beginner who wants to increase your skills or a veteran who simply wants a group of people to skateboard with, joining the club could be a great idea. 

The Importance of Being Involved in High School Clubs

High school is a pivotal time in a young person’s life, offering opportunities for academic growth, social development, and personal exploration. One of the most beneficial ways to make the most of these years is by being actively involved in high school clubs, such as an art club. Participation in extracurricular activities not only enriches the high school experience but also provides numerous benefits that extend beyond the classroom. Involvement in clubs can have a lasting impact on academic success, personal growth, and future opportunities.

1. Academic Enhancement and Skill Development

Being part of high school clubs fosters essential skills that complement academic learning. Many clubs, such as debate, science, or robotics, encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. These activities challenge students to apply the knowledge they gain in class in practical settings, deepening their understanding of various subjects. For instance, participating in a math club can sharpen mathematical thinking, while being part of a writing club can enhance communication skills. By engaging in these clubs, students develop a diverse skill set that can help them excel academically and in various career paths.

2. Social Connections and Networking

One of the most rewarding aspects of high school clubs is the opportunity to make new friends and expand one’s social network. Clubs bring together students from different backgrounds and grade levels, fostering a sense of community and inclusion. Through these activities, students learn to work collaboratively, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively with their peers and adult advisors. These social skills not only help students in their current school environment but also prepare them for future work and personal relationships. Moreover, students who are involved in clubs often form lifelong friendships that continue beyond high school.

3. Leadership and Responsibility

High school clubs provide valuable opportunities for students to take on leadership roles, whether through serving as club officers or leading specific projects. Holding a leadership position can help students develop crucial organizational and leadership skills, such as time management, decision-making, and teamwork. Learning to balance responsibilities as a club member or leader can teach students discipline and accountability. These experiences also serve as a foundation for future leadership roles in college, the workplace, and other aspects of life.

4. College and Career Opportunities

Involvement in high school clubs is not only beneficial for personal development, but it can also have a significant impact on future opportunities. College admissions committees often look for well-rounded applicants who are actively engaged in their school and community. Being involved in a club demonstrates initiative, time management, and commitment—qualities that are highly valued by universities and scholarship organizations. Additionally, students who take on leadership roles in clubs often develop a portfolio of accomplishments that can be shared in college applications or job interviews, setting them apart from other candidates.

Clubs also offer students the chance to explore potential career interests. For example, students who are interested in law may benefit from joining a mock trial or debate club, while those interested in technology may find value in a computer science club. These experiences can provide valuable insight into different career fields, helping students make more informed decisions about their future academic and career paths.

5. Personal Growth and Well-Being

High school clubs can be a great outlet for personal expression and stress relief. Students often face pressures related to academics, social dynamics, and future planning, and clubs offer a way to balance these demands. Engaging in a hobby or passion through a club—whether it’s drama, music, sports, or volunteering—can help students build confidence, relieve stress, and improve their emotional well-being. Moreover, involvement in clubs allows students to explore interests that may not be part of the standard curriculum, helping them discover new passions and talents.

6. Community Engagement and Social Impact

Many high school clubs focus on making a positive impact on the community, whether through service projects, environmental initiatives, or social justice efforts. Being involved in these types of clubs teaches students the importance of giving back and contributing to the greater good. These activities provide an opportunity for students to make a difference in their local community, helping them develop empathy and a sense of responsibility toward others. In addition, students involved in service-oriented clubs often feel a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose, knowing that their actions are making a positive change.

Conclusion

Involvement in high school clubs such as anime club, art club, and more are far more than just an extracurricular activity—it’s an investment in a student’s academic, social, and personal development. From enhancing academic performance to providing leadership opportunities, fostering social connections, and preparing for future college and career paths, the benefits of participating in high school clubs are immeasurable. Whether it’s anime club or student council, being actively involved in these activities, students not only make their high school years more enriching and meaningful but also build a strong foundation for success in the years to come.

In conclusion, you should know that there are many other clubs out there, and the list of ideas for new clubs is endless. If your high school does not offer a club that you would like to be a part of, gather a group of students who share your motive and reach out to your school’s administration about starting a club! There may be a few logistical hurdles that you have to jump through, but the process is typically pretty easy.