Most high school students have after-school activities that they participate in.

These activities can range from athletics to clubs to volunteer work. While these activities are often enjoyable, as school counselors and parents, it’s our job to also ensure these activities are helping our students grow in their future careers.

We did some research and found these are the top six after-school activities teens actually enjoy doing:

  1. Internships: Many high school students don’t know what they want to do after graduation. An internship is a great way for them to explore different careers and get real.
  2. Working a Job: It’s the first real step toward adulthood and greater independence. It also looks great on a resume.
  3. Team sports management (being a team manager): Whether they are a fierce competitor or just interested in a new way to help out, there’s a world of sports waiting for their knowledge and experience. This is still true even if they don’t play!
  4. Camp Counselor: Camp isn’t just for little kids. Teen summer camps are a great way to expand their horizons, immerse themselves in giving back, and gain leadership experience.
  5. Tech/STEM: Technology and STEM-based after-school activities are a great way for students to get ahead in their future college and career goals.
  6. Coding and technical skills classes: Technology is everywhere, and the demand for coding and other tech-related skills is only going to continue to grow.

Let’s look at a few of these activities in more depth.

Find career-centered after-school activities with the spotivity mobile app. Students can fill out personalized surveys and be connected with local and online activities they love. Download the mobile app to get started.

Working a Job

Students who start a job or a side hustle typically develop a stronger work ethic, leadership skills, and an appreciation for the importance of planning and budgeting than those who don’t.

According to a survey of employers by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, after-school jobs are associated with a host of positive outcomes for students, including:

  • Improved time management skills
  • Increased ability to work independently
  • Better grades in school
  • Increased likelihood of graduating from college

Legit After-School Job Ideas for Teens

Need some job ideas for your 15 to 18-year-old?

Here are some jobs they can start next week:

  • Babysitting
  • Lawn mowing
  • Dog walking
  • Tutoring
  • Lifeguarding
  • Youth sports referee
  • Car washing 
  • Reselling

Reselling is a legit way to make money as a teen.

It’s when you buy things for cheap and sell them for a higher price. Literally, any item or product you think can be resold.

Camp Counselor

Being a camp counselor is a great way for teens to gain leadership experience while also giving back.

Most camp counselor positions are paid around minimum wage, but some offer room and board depending on if you are traveling to the camp location or if it is local.

Most camps require the student to be at least 16 years old, but there are some that accept 14 and 15-year-olds as junior counselors.

Tech/STEM

It’s widely agreed that STEM after-school programs improve the academic performance of participants.

According to afterschool.org, after-school STEM programs have been linked with:

  • Higher grades in math and science
  • Increased interest in taking high-level math and science courses
  • Improved standardized test scores in math and science

A study done by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce found that “workers with STEM degrees earn 26 percent more than workers with non-STEM degrees.”

Do After-School Activities Actually Help Students? The Data Says…

Yes! Doing after-school activities helps high school students in many ways that prepare them for their future careers.

A study done by the after-school alliance showed that students who participated in after-school activities:

  • Were more likely to earn higher grades and test scores and enroll in college
  • Were less likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as drug use
  • Were more likely to have better social skills and relationships with their peers and adults

Career Centered Activities vs. Sports

Career-centered activities help students learn more about a specific field or career that they might be interested in. And often, these types of activities don’t include sports.

We get it: Many students are passionate about sports. But if a student wants to focus on their future career (let’s be honest), they should also consider diving into a few other programs as well.

Data show that most teens will not go professional with their sports. In fact, only about 0.03 percent of high school basketball players will go on to play in the NBA, according to The Balance.

For the MLB, the percentage is a little higher: about 0.5 percent of high school baseball players will be drafted by a major league team, according to USA Baseball.

And as for the NFL, only 1.6 percent of high school football players will be drafted, according to the National Football League.

Summary:

It’s important to remember that school counselors and parents should take some time to help their students prepare for their future. The more you can open their eyes to all of the possibilities out there, the more likely they are to see themselves as successful adults with bright futures.

And if there is one thing we know at spotivity, it’s that success starts with preparing the right plan.

That’s why we offer a 6 month free trial of our school engagement platform so school counselors and students can find local and online after-school programs. The best part is it’s all customized to the student’s interests.

Try spotivity free here.

Students can download the free app here.

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