Participating in extracurricular activities can help students build a community around their interests, develop their skills in communication and teamwork, and provide an outlet for excess energy. As an educator, you can help enable students to be leaders in their own learning by implementing inclusive, online after-school initiatives.

The development of online clubs is a great way to encourage both online and face-to-face students to lean into the parts of education that excite them, while keeping their sense of community and belonging going during a period when connection has become increasingly challenging. Here are some examples of online clubs you can start to help keep students engaged with learning and connected to their peers:

Book Club - Book clubs help introduce students to new and exciting worlds, perspectives, and ideas while encouraging conversation and lifelong reading.

Esports Club - Esports initiatives are a great way to connect students both in-person and online while fostering important life skills including communication, strategy, and sportsmanship.

Coding Club - Coding clubs can help students get an early start on preparing for careers in technology, computer science, and medicine, encouraging them to develop valuable hard skills.

Debate Club - Debate clubs allow students to further engage with topical events, develop critical thinking, and allow them to explore their own opinions in a space where they are respected and actively listened to.

For more on starting an online club at your school, check out these articles:

After School Clubs Encourage Problem Solving

Creating Online Clubs for Students

How to Start an Esports Club

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