Student Involvement in Extracurricular Activities and Post-Secondary Education Placement

Abstract

Extracurricular activities have been an important part of adolescents’ lives for generations (Kremer-Sadlik, Izquierdo, & Fatigante, 2010). Extracurricular activities take place outside of the classroom and result in several benefits to students (National Federation of State High School Associations [NFHS], 2010). With the recent recession in the United States, many school districts are having to find ways to cut budgets and are looking at eliminating extracurricular activities to save money (Lamb, 2011). Data from graduating seniors were reviewed in the largest accredited public school district in a Midwestern state. Graduates are required to take a post-follow up survey upon graduating from high school (DESE, 2015). This study involved examination of what those graduates who participated in extracurricular activities while in high school did after graduating. Five high schools were examined within the school district. Each of the five high schools creates an eligibility roster of students who participate in extracurricular activities. The data were collected from the 2011, 2012, and 2013 graduating classes. Graduates who did and did not participate in extracurricular activities were compared, noting whether they went on to college or the military or the workforce. The data revealed more students who participated in extracurricular activities while in high school went on to college than did those students who did not participate.