A survey conducted by the Minnesota State High School League in 2007 showed that students who participated in athletics perform better in school than other students. The athletes had an average grade point average of 2.84 compared to 2.68 for students not participating in sports. Typically, when a student is involved with an activity like basketball or debate club, she has to maintain a certain grade point average and attendance record to continue participating. When the activity is important to the student, he is more likely to be successful in school so that he can remain part of that activity. The National Federation of High School Activities also reports that students who participate in extracurricular activities have higher GPAs, better attendance, lower dropout rates, and overall fewer discipline problems.
Extracurricular activities teach students important skills that will help them throughout their lives. Students learn how to be part of a team and get along with a variety of students. Some students will take on leadership roles, like captains or presidents, and gain valuable experience as leaders. According to an article from the Winter 2008-2009 issue of "Occupational Outlook Quarterly" by Bill Lawhorn, an economist with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students who participate in these activities also learn how to manage their time, take on responsibility, and balance schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and time with friends and family. Competition also shows students how to deal productively with winning and losing.
Colleges look closely at the extracurricular activities that high school students are involved with, including sports, academic projects, and service activities. The skills that students develop during high school and college through these activities give them a great advantage in the workplace, as they will already have experience working on teams and managing their time. Christy Lleras, professor of human and community development at the University of Illinois, conducted a study in 2009 that was reported in "Science Daily." Her study found that students who participated in extracurricular activities typically go on to receive more education and earn more than students who had good grades and high standardized test scores.
For some families, the costs of their student's participation in extracurricular activities is simply too much. With shrinking budgets, schools contribute less and less to help cover the costs of activities. Some activities are more expensive than others. For example, a football player needs a uniform, cleats and padding. A member of the school band must buy a uniform and pay for the costs of his instrument. The family may also have to contribute to the costs of travel. On the other hand, a student on the newspaper staff or who takes part in community service will spend very little.
The need to balance school with extracurricular activities can sometimes be overwhelming for students. For students who take part in multiple activities, the pressure can be even more intense. Students must stay on top of their homework, attend practices, rehearsals and other events, and still find time to hang out with friends and family. They may have very little free time and feel constantly stressed. Parents who help manage their kids' schedules and shuttle them back and forth can also find that their family time is lacking.