1

How After School Activities Impact Climate and Culture in School

Christopher Diaz

Mr. Ericson & Mr. Galotti

Sport and Medical Sciences Academy

Senior Seminar

October 24, 2023

 2

After school activities are a good way for students to participate in a safe and productive

environment. It keeps students off the streets and out of potential trouble. When the school bell

rings at the end of the school day, that doesn't mean that school has to end, it just means the most

stressful part of a student's day is over. After school programs and activities provide students and

families with ample opportunities to continue their development. These activities can add to a

students journey in education because it offers opportunities to improve social interactions,

enhance engagement with academics, and encompass leadership skills beyond the classroom.

After-school programs or activities encourage students to build upon social interaction

skills and help support a positive climate within the school. In the Journal of Graduate Studies in

Education, volume 5, Claudetter Christison wrote The Benefits of Participating in

Extracurricular Activities. She explains that “...participating in extracurricular activities builds

teamwork, communication, relationships, and a sense of belonging, all of which help students to

develop socially and be successful in school.” (Christison, 2013). These opportunities for

students allow them to create connections beyond the classroom and influence students to avoid

negative life choices.

When students interact with their peers outside of the classroom environment, it helps foster

more positive and meaningful relationships that would otherwise not develop without the

opportunity. It also provides the opportunity for students to develop positive relationships with

adults to help guide them in a crucial part of their lives developmentally. Rather than going home

and participating in street activities or jumping on a video game, students are working on

developing positive relationships and encompassing skills necessary for the workforce and future
 3

endeavors. This positive social interaction contributes to a sense of belonging, and inclusivity,

ultimately shaping a welcoming and supportive school culture.

Engagement in after-school activities has been linked to improved academic

performance. Students who are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities show a

higher sense of motivation to achieve. In an article posted on a youth government website, it

states, “Attending after school programs can improve students’ academic performance. A

national evaluation found that more than 40 percent of students attending enrichment programs

improved their reading and math grades, and that those who attended more regularly were more

likely to make gains.” (Youth.gov, n.d.). The article also summarized that attending after school

programs has led to improved participation in the classroom, increased attendance, and reduced

dropout rates. When students participate in extracurriculars, they are taking an extra step in their

school day to improve themselves for the better. When there are opportunities for students to

participate in activities that are of interest to them, they are more willing and likely to want to

stay in school longer and participate in school more. This positive academic climate fosters a

culture of students wanting to achieve and do better within the school community.

Participation in after-school activities provides students with opportunities to develop

leadership skills. In a journal published by the Journal of Leadership Education, Adolescent

Involvement in Extracurricular Activities: Influences on Leadership Skills, a team studied the

effect on female and male adolescent involvement in various after school activities and the

perception on their leadership skills. It was found that, “...extracurricular activity involvement

roles influence adolescents’ perceptions of their leadership skills. These findings suggest that

youth may benefit from more involved leadership roles, such as an official position.” (Hancock,

2019). Students who tend to engage in extracurricular activities such as student council and
 4

sports, develop skills such as teamwork, decision making, and problem solving. These are all

leadership qualities that can contribute to a positive school culture where students feel

empowered and motivated to take on challenges and make a difference, not only in their school

environments but in their communities and future endeavors as well. Activities allow students to

be active but this can also affect their everyday life. Having some sort of physical health in your

system and in your life is important because starting activities and starting to be active at a young

age will make you way more healthier in the future and as a person in general. After school

involvement especially getting into sports can prevent drug use and bad criminal behavior in the

future. When kids have an understanding of what is good and bad for their body they will

completely be able to carry this healthy lifestyle for the rest of their lives. Confidence is

something that multiple kids around the world struggle with, especially in their pre-teen years.

Participating in afterschool activities will allow the students and kids to have a way more

stronger bond with each other. There are also opportunities for students and even kids to become

leaders in their community and even in the activity they are currently doing outside of school.

My capstone project revolves around me fundraising for my senior class by selling

snacks at home volleyball, basketball and football games. This research relates to my project

because by providing students, faculty, and visitors with concessions I do my part in welcoming

people and making sure they feel comfortable to cheer on their school. Not only do I provide

students with snacks at a school game, but the money that I raise goes to funding senior class

activities. In the end, students attend to support their classmates, show their school spirit, and be

a part of ensuring they have enough funds to make their senior year memorable. Even if this is

my last year I really wish to have as much fun as possible and I want my classmates to be happy

and grateful that they have made it this far to get a diploma.
 5

References

Benefits for youth, families, and Communities. Benefits for Youth, Families, and Communities |

Youth.gov. (n.d.).

https://youth.gov/youth-topics/afterschool-programs/benefits-youth-families-and-communities

Christison, C. (2013). The benefits of participating in extracurricular activities ... - ed. The

Benefits of Participating in Extracurricular Activities.

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1230758.pdf

Donna Hancock Ph.D., P. H. D. (2020, June 19). Adolescent involvement in extracurricular

activities: Influences on leadership skills. Journal of Leadership Education.

https://journalofleadershiped.org/jole_articles/adolescent-involvement-in-eextracurricular-activiti

es-influences-on-leadership-skills/

Jankowski, E. (2023, September 6). Benefits of after school activities. Pikmykid.

https://www.pikmykid.com/after-school-activities-provide-long-lasting-benefits/
6