Extracurricular Activities and Youth Development
Arts education and extracurricular activities such as sports, band, student council have long been an important aspect of a youth’s experience in the United States.
Research has demonstrated that participation in extracurricular activities makes the attitudes of youth more favorable towards especially school because of the interpersonal bonds that they develop with peers and adults - these extracurricular activities play a positive role in the self-esteem of young people. Additionally, youth participation in extracurricular activities has shown to have positive effects on their academic outcomes and fosters motivation for academic success and self-efficacy. It is very common for youth to participate in these types of activities after school. These activities can range from sports such as baseball, soccer, American football, volleyball, track and field, and other sports, to performing arts such as band and theatre, to more academically-focused activities such as student council, newspaper, yearbook club, debate, and model United Nations. Additionally, young people may also participate in these kinds of activities in local organizations in their neighborhood. For example, some neighborhoods or regions have recreational leagues for sports where students from several different schools may join teams. Additionally, youth can participate in after-school programing at YMCAs, as well as more localized non-profit organization centers.
In the United States, there are many Young Men’s Christian Associations (YMCAs, or Ys) that work with young people and have youth development programming. In total, there are 2,700 separate YMCA organizations and 10,000 branches that receive substantial financial support via charitable donations. The programming of YMCAs can vary depending on the local chapter but many have early childhood learning programming and childcare, leadership and academic enrichment programs, and sports and recreational programs for young people. These organizations are considered very important community centers throughout the United States and have been pivotal in providing meals and other social services during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Boy Scouts of America works with youth ages five to twenty-one. The mission of the organization is to develop character, citizenship, personal fitness, and leadership. There are seven ranks that youth work up to through participating in community service and outdoor activities. The Girl Scouts of America is for youth ages seven to eighteen. Youth in the Girl Scouts participate in outdoor activities, as well, and also have workshops on first-aid training, arts, and more recently STEM competencies. Young people who are members of the Boy or Girl Scouts tend to be members throughout the entirety of their youth and have a lot of spirit around their participation in the organizations.
4-H is an organization that works with youth throughout the United States through partnering with public universities all over the country. This program works with youth in urban, rural, and suburban areas. Through this program, students receive mentorship and complete a project that is relevant to their interests. They also gain leadership experience. The priorities that 4-H encourages youth to address are community health inequities, civil discourse, and advocating for equity and inclusion for all.
