50 Best High School Clubs You Can Join in 2024
High school isn’t just about textbooks and tests. It’s a time to explore your interests, discover hidden talents, and connect with people who share your spark. And what better way to do that than by starting your own club?
Whether you’re a budding astrophysicist or a champion for animal rights, there’s a club waiting to be born. But with so many possibilities, where do you even begin? This blog is your guide to finding the perfect club for you, or even better, creating one from scratch. We’ve compiled a list of 50 exciting club ideas that cater to a variety of interests, from academic pursuits to creative outlets and community service.
Things to Consider Before You Start a Club
The first step to starting a successful high school club is identifying a niche. You can achieve this by either:
- Chartering a chapter: Look for established organizations with chapters in other high schools. This allows you to leverage their existing framework while tailoring it to your school’s environment.
- Creating something new: If your passion lies in a unique area not currently represented at your school, consider establishing a completely new club.
A new club allows for full creative control, while established organizations offer pre-defined activities and support networks. Additionally, choose a club concept you’re genuinely interested in. Your enthusiasm will be contagious and attract like-minded members. Ideally, the club should align with your existing interests and activities and show a well-rounded you on your resume.
Once you’ve identified your club’s focus, familiarize yourself with your school’s official procedures for starting a club. This typically involves a formal college application process with the administration, which may include requirements like writing bylaws or submitting a petition. Researching these steps beforehand ensures you follow them precisely for a smooth approval process.
A successful club thrives on a diverse membership. Aim to attract a broad base of students, not just your immediate friend circle. A good target size is at least 10 active participants per meeting. This could translate to a larger group with occasional attendance (around 40 members) or a smaller core group (10–15 members) with consistent dedication.
Regular meetings are important, but a truly impactful club goes beyond that. Consider participating in competitions related to your club’s focus, hosting events for the school community, or organizing fundraising activities. These initiatives add legitimacy and show the club’s value to the school.
For your club to leave a lasting impact, plan for its continuation even after you graduate. Here’s where securing a faculty advisor becomes crucial. Choose a teacher who is passionate about your club’s area of expertise. Their guidance and support will be instrumental in ensuring the club survives long after you move on. Remember that a successful club can become your legacy at your school.
Impact of Clubs on Your Admissions Chances
Extracurricular activities are a crucial element of your college application, but not all activities hold the same weight. To understand how they impact your application, let’s segregate the activities into four tiers.
Tier 1 (exceptional impact)
These activities show truly extraordinary accomplishments—things like attending a prestigious summer program or founding a highly successful business. Very few students achieve Tier 1, making these stand out dramatically to admissions committees.
Tier 2 (high impact)
This is where many students see their strongest accomplishments. Tier 2 activities involve impressive achievements, highlighting dedication, leadership skills, and developed talents. Examples include placing high in a regional competition or holding a national leadership position within a recognized organization. Two or three strong Tier 2 activities can significantly enhance your application.
| Impact of starting your club on college applications Starting your club and holding a leadership position (like president) fall squarely within Tier 2. It demonstrates a combination of passion, organizational skills, and leadership ability. Not everyone has the initiative to create a club, build membership, and make a positive impact. Successfully accomplishing all this sends a powerful message to admissions officers about your potential. |
Tier 3 (moderate impact)
These activities show a bit more commitment. You might have earned a minor award or held a lower-level leadership position (e.g., treasurer in a large club). Tier 3 activities show skills but lack the exceptional qualities that admissions officers seek.
Tier 4 (low impact)
These are the most common activities on applications and have the least impact. Participation was likely minimal, without leadership roles or significant achievements. While they won’t make your application stand out, they can show basic interest in a field. (e.g., attending occasional club meetings).
Suggested: How to Arrange Common App Activities List
List of 50 High School Clubs You Can Start Now
1. Film Club
Watch and discuss movies, or even create your own! This club is a great way to analyze films, learn about filmmaking techniques, and express yourself creatively. You could hold movie marathons, organize guest speaker events with local filmmakers, or even write and produce your own short films.
2. Gaming Club
Play video games together and compete in tournaments. This club is a fun way to connect with other gamers, develop teamwork and sportsmanship skills, and participate in organized competitions. You could focus on specific games or genres or have open gaming nights where everyone can play their favorites.
3. Environmental Club
Organize school recycling drives, participate in community clean-up projects, or raise awareness about environmental issues through campaigns and educational events. You could also organize educational workshops or film screenings to raise awareness about environmental issues. This club is ideal for students who are passionate about sustainability and taking action.
4. Foreign Language Club
Celebrate the diversity of languages and cultures. This is a fun way to learn more about a foreign language and culture, practice your speaking skills in a casual setting, and connect with other students who share your interests. You could organize cultural exchange events, movie nights, or potlucks featuring food from different countries.
5. Creative Writing Club
Share your short stories, poems, or scripts with a supportive group and get valuable feedback to hone your craft. Organize workshops on different writing styles or host poetry slams to show your members’ talents.
6. Robotics Club
Design, build, and compete with robots! This is a great way to combine engineering, coding, and teamwork. You’ll learn problem-solving skills and gain experience working with complex machinery.
7. Global Cuisine Club
Learn how to cook traditional dishes from different cultures, share recipes, and host potlucks to celebrate the diversity of global cuisine. This club is a delicious way to explore different cultures and expand your culinary horizons.
8. Animation Club
Bring your drawings and characters to life by learning the basics of animation using free software or apps. You can create short animated films collaboratively and even participate in online animation contests. This club is perfect for budding artists with a passion for storytelling and visual effects.
9. Debate Club
Research assigned topics, debate current events, and participate in regional or national competitions. This club is ideal for students who enjoy intellectual challenges and expressing their well-researched opinions.
10. Model UN Club
Simulate the United Nations and represent different countries, debating global issues and crafting solutions through diplomacy and negotiation. This club is a great way to learn about international relations, current events, and the power of collaboration.
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11. App Development Club
Learn the basics of coding and app development, brainstorm innovative app ideas, and create functional apps for mobile devices. This club is perfect for students who are passionate about technology and want to turn their ideas into reality.
12. Chess Club
Challenge your mind with strategic thinking skills by learning to play chess. Then, organize tournaments for different skill levels and invite guest speakers to teach advanced strategies. This club is a great way to develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and sportsmanship.
13. Coding Club
Learn different coding languages like Python or Java, create simple games or programs, and participate in coding challenges or hackathons. This club is ideal for students who want to explore the potential of coding and dig deeper into the exciting world of computer science.
14. Philosophy Club
Discuss complex philosophical topics like ethics, existentialism, and the nature of reality. This club encourages critical thinking, open-mindedness, and the ability to see things from different perspectives.
15. Mock Trial Club
Learn legal procedures, take on roles as lawyers and witnesses, and participate in mock trial competitions. This club fosters critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills.
16. Entrepreneurship Club
Turn your ideas into reality by learning about business concepts like marketing, finance, and product development. Host workshops on ideation, pitch your business plans to a panel and participate in entrepreneurship competitions.
17. Gaming Design Club
Learn the basics of game design, brainstorm game concepts, develop prototypes, and test them with your peers. This club is perfect for students who love video games and want to be part of the design process.
18. Investment Club
Research companies, analyze their performance, and create a mock investment portfolio through online simulation platforms. This club provides valuable financial literacy skills and insights into the world of investing.
19. Psychology Club
Explore different areas of psychology, hold discussions on human behavior, and invite guest speakers like psychologists or counselors. This club allows you to understand human behavior, including yourself and others, better.
20. Astronomy Club
Learn about stars, planets, galaxies, and the latest astronomical discoveries. Host stargazing nights with telescopes, attend planetarium shows or invite guest speakers like astronomers or astrophysicists.
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21. Culinary Competition Club
Hone your culinary skills by participating in cooking competitions. Challenge yourselves with themed cooking nights, bake sales to raise funds for charity, or even compete in regional cooking contests.
22. Fashion Design Club
Express yourself through fashion! Learn about different design principles, create clothing sketches, and even hold fashion shows to show your members’ designs. This club is perfect for students who are passionate about fashion and self-expression.
23. Ethical Hacking Club
Become a cybersecurity champion by learning the basics of ethical hacking, how to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems, and responsible practices to prevent cyberattacks. This club fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and cybersecurity awareness.
24. Forensic Science Club
Learn about fingerprint analysis, DNA evidence, and other forensic techniques. Participate in mock crime scene investigations, host guest speakers from forensic labs, or even attend crime scene investigation workshops.
25. Mythology Club
Dig deeper into Greek, Roman, Norse, or other mythologies, discuss their symbolism and cultural significance, and even host theatrical performances based on mythological tales.
26. Language Exchange Club
Practice languages and connect with new cultures! Partner with students from your school who are native speakers of another language. Meet regularly to practice conversational skills, learn about each other’s cultures, and celebrate linguistic diversity.
27. Esports Club
Organize video game tournaments within the school, participate in online leagues, and practice strategies together to become a formidable esports team. This club caters to students who excel at competitive video games and enjoy teamwork.
28. Genealogy Club
Learn research techniques, explore historical records, and connect with relatives to build your family tree. This club fosters a sense of identity and an appreciation for your family’s heritage.
29. Drone Club
Learn about drone technology, safety regulations, and responsible piloting practices. Capture stunning aerial photography and videography, or participate in drone racing competitions.
30. Social Justice Club
Advocate for positive change! Discuss social justice issues like racial equality, gender rights, or economic justice. Organize awareness campaigns, participate in peaceful protests, or volunteer with local organizations working towards social change.
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31. Puzzles and Problem Solving Club
Challenge your mind with a variety of puzzles! Explore logic puzzles, Sudoku, Rubik’s cubes, or even host escape room challenges collaboratively. This club hones critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and teamwork in a fun and engaging environment.
32. Creative Recycling Club
Learn creative ways to reuse and repurpose discarded materials. Organize school-wide recycling drives, create art installations from recycled materials, or host upcycled fashion shows.
33. International Music Club
Explore different musical genres from various cultures, learn about traditional instruments, and even organize cultural music performances. This club fosters an appreciation for global musical traditions.
34. Travel Club
Plan virtual tours of famous landmarks, research different cultures and travel destinations, and hold discussions about travel experiences. This club ignites a passion for travel and global exploration.
35. Meditation and Mindfulness Club
Learn meditation techniques, practice mindfulness exercises, and create a space for stress reduction and self-care. This club fosters mental health awareness and provides tools for students to manage stress and anxiety.
36. Parkour and Freerunning Club
Learn the basics of parkour and freerunning, safely navigate urban environments using your body weight, and practice creative movement techniques together. This club encourages physical activity and a unique way to explore your surroundings.
37. Urban Agriculture Club
Learn about sustainable farming practices, build and maintain a school garden, donate fresh produce to local food banks, or even host a farmers market showing your harvest.
38. Animal Training Club
Volunteer at animal shelters, learn basic animal training techniques and organize educational workshops on responsible pet ownership. This club fosters a love for animals and teaches valuable training skills.
39. Artificial Intelligence Club
Learn about the basics of artificial intelligence, discuss the ethical implications of AI development, and participate in online AI coding challenges. This club caters to students fascinated by the intersection of technology and intelligence.
40. Creative Recycling and Engineering Club
Combine recycling with engineering principles to design and build functional objects or structures from discarded materials. This club encourages creativity, problem-solving, and sustainable practices.
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41. Translation Club
Write stories and translate them into different languages, collaborate with native speakers to enhance translations, and host multilingual poetry readings or storytelling events. This club fosters creativity across languages and cultures.
42. Public Speaking and Improv Club
Practice public speaking skills through presentations, debates, and impromptu exercises. Incorporate improvisation techniques to enhance spontaneity and confidence. This club helps build communication skills and adaptability.
43. Book Club
Consider starting a book club! Choose a meeting frequency (weekly or monthly) and a required book for everyone to read. These meetings can spark lively discussions and debates about themes and plotlines. Additionally, you can promote literacy in your community by donating books or organizing a book drive for a library or homeless shelter. This approach combines fostering intellectual engagement with giving back to the community.
44. Slam Poetry Club
Ignite creativity and self-expression at your school with slam poetry nights! This exciting format allows student members of a poetry club to share their original work with a live audience, fostering a dynamic and powerful experience for both performers and attendees.
45. Hiking Club
A hiking club is a fantastic way to get active and explore nature with like-minded people. Whether you have scenic trails nearby or need to venture a bit further for breathtaking adventures, a hiking club can cater to both. Organize regular hikes around your school if blessed with local nature trails, or plan monthly trips to destinations an hour or so away.
46. Gardening Club
Starting a gardening club lets you nurture your hobby while beautifying your school. Plant decorative flowers to brighten the grounds, or grow fruits and vegetables for the cafeteria or a local food pantry. Partner with a nearby elementary school to introduce younger students to the joys of gardening and environmental responsibility.
47. Foreign Literature Club
A foreign literature club is essentially a book club for international literature. Catering to all levels, discussions can revolve around works in their original language or translated versions. It’s a great way to explore new cultures and engage in thought-provoking conversations about diverse perspectives.
48. Dance Club
High school dance enthusiasts can bypass traditional sports and create their own after-school club! Whether it’s hip hop, jazz, ballet, contemporary, or another style, the club can focus on choreography, learning routines, and even hosting recitals or school performances. This is a great way to express your passion for dance and share it with others.
49. Graphic Design Club
Develop valuable graphic design skills with a school club! You’ll explore industry-standard software like Photoshop and Illustrator, along with user-friendly platforms like Canva. Put your newfound talents to work by creating designs for local businesses, the school website, or even fun photoshopped images for the newspaper. No physical materials are needed—just pure digital expression!
50. Photography Club
If you love photography, why not share your passion? Start a photography club! Discuss iconic photos, embark on photo walks around your school and community, and capture memorable moments. Show your best work at a year-end event, potentially raising funds through photo sales.
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From the Desk of Yocket
Starting a high school club offers an incredibly rewarding experience. It allows you to pursue your passions in a collaborative and enriching environment. You can dig deeper into a favorite topic with peers who share your interest while simultaneously developing valuable leadership skills. The process itself is a learning experience—brainstorming ideas, building a team, and navigating the approval process. This fosters responsibility, initiative, and communication, all of which are highly sought-after qualities by colleges.
But the benefits go beyond that. High school clubs provide a space to explore your interests outside of the traditional classroom. They can involve debating current events, creating art, or volunteering in the community. This allows for growth in ways that complement your academic studies while also offering stress relief and a chance to connect with a supportive community of like-minded people. Especially during the challenging high school years, surrounding yourself with such a positive environment can be empowering. Yocket can help you discover and connect with these clubs, ensuring you make the most of your high school experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a club already exists?
Most schools have a student handbook or website listing official clubs. You can also check with a school counselor or advisor.
What kind of club can I start?
The best clubs stem from your passions! Think about your hobbies, interests, or academic pursuits. Do you love anime? Start an Anime Club! Are you fascinated by marine biology? Create a Marine Biology Club! If you’re stuck, talk to classmates with similar interests or browse existing clubs to see if there are any gaps.
How many members do I need for a club?
While exact numbers vary, aim for at least 10 core members who are consistently involved. This shows there’s genuine interest and helps the club run smoothly.