The Critical Role of Extracurriculars for Underserved Youth

Extracurricular activities often get tagged as the sidekick to academics. But for underserved youth, they're not just a sidekick, they’re absolutely essential to success. These activities aren't just filler for our students; they're game-changers, offering opportunities for holistic growth, skill development, engagement, and empowerment. 

THE RESEARCH

Extracurricular activities are associated with improved academic performance, increased school engagement, and higher graduation rates among underserved populations, in addition to enhanced self-esteem, resilience, and interpersonal skills.

Extracurricular activities serve as powerful equalizers, bridging the opportunity and skill-building gap that often plagues underserved communities. A report by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) highlights that participation in extracurricular programs correlates with improved postsecondary outcomes, including higher rates of college enrollment and persistence.

We know that participation in extracurricular activities increases the likelihood of our students’ success. We see a living representation of this research while working with our students daily. Students who were once disengaged, failing classes, and had a lack of motivation, become inspired, eager, and begin to engage in their futures once participation in an extracurricular begins. 

BRIDGING THE GAP

We know that there are several pillars that contribute to student success, and here at SAVE, we focus on three: academics, extracurriculars, and future-readiness.

SAVE strives to help our students become successful in their academics, extracurriculars, and their futures, but we understand that our students may have less access to extracurricular activities, especially younger students who do not have the option of enrolling at their high school. As a part of our wrap-around services initiative, we bridge this gap by providing extracurricular registration and funding for all students, leaving no associated costs for registration or needed supplies to participate. 

For our older students who do have the option of enrolling in extracurriculars at their school, we work with each of our students individually to develop an extracurricular participation plan. Many of our students are hesitant to try something new or try out for a team, but we mentor, encourage, and assist students to feel more confident. In addition, some of our students simply don’t sign up for an activity because they don’t have access to the needed supplies to participate like knee pads, shoes, art supplies, etc., so we work with each student to provide any needed resources. 

IMPACT

Currently, for the 23-24 academic year, SAVE has submitted and funded over 300 extracurricular registrations for activities in the community including art classes at Hot Shops Art Center, a variety of sports at BJSA, swimming and team sports at the YMCA, climbing classes and climbing teams at Approach Climbing Gym, golf lessons at Ego Free Golf, and many more. In addition to registration, SAVE has provided over $30,000 in supplies and resources needed for participation in extracurriculars. 

Interested in helping us provide essential services and extracurricular opportunities? Visit our “Give” page to learn more!