THE VALUE OF EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION AMONG ADOLESCENTS: BENEFITS TO EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND
Open Access
Author:
Coover, Courtney Elizabeth
Area of Honors:
Human Development and Family Studies
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Dr. Hobart Cleveland, Thesis Supervisor Hobart Harrington Cleveland III, Thesis Supervisor Jennifer Lynne Crissman Ishler, Thesis Supervisor Dr. Kathryn Bancroft Hynes, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
adolescents add health educational aspirations
Abstract:
High schools in the United States provide adolescents with myriad opportunities for growth and exploration in the classroom and beyond. Students can choose from a menu of classes, peer groups, and extracurricular activities based on their interests. Because approximately 70% of adolescents participate in extracurricular activities, it is important to understand what short and long term effects their activity choices (or choice to abstain) will have. This article explores the results of an empirical study conducted on adolescents as part of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Results found that adolescents who participated in extracurricular activities reported higher GPAs and a greater inclination toward postsecondary education.
