Clubs & Teams – A Gateway to Success

School can be mind-numbingly boring… but, it doesn’t have to be!

The more students are able to connect learning to their own interests and passions, the more likely they are to focus, excel, and build a foundation for success in higher education and next-generation careers.

Online gaming, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, animal rescue, community service, robotics, camping, comic books, film & photography… These are all perfect ideas for student-led clubs that build a pathway to success in higher education, industry, and entrepreneurship.

Check out these online lists of fun club themes to get you started – 35 Unique Club Ideas and Ideas for High School Clubs

The sky is the limit; literally – start a Drone Club!!!

Steps to starting a school club or team

Check to see if there is a current (or defunct) club that already does what you are proposing.
Find like-minded individuals who are interested in launching the club/team.
Create a VISION STATEMENT – Hugely important! If you don’t know what your club/team will do, how will you create buy-in from others?
Reach out to stakeholders for FEEDBACK on your proposal – teachers, principal/administrators, parents, students, community partners, etc. Important – Ask for input and refine your club/team concept first, rather than just demanding or expecting that others will support the idea.
Once you have a clear vision and have refined it based on stakeholder feedback, identify a sponsor (typically a teacher, parent volunteer, or school administrator).
Present a formal proposal that outlines the specifics of what your club will focus on, why it will add value to the school, the logistics of how it will function, and the resources that will be required to implement and sustain the idea.
Implement – create a club charter, set meetings, elect officers, recruit member, and HAVE FUN!!!

Think BIG - Collaborate and Network!

Supporting K-12 education and creating a pipeline to higher education are priorities for many companies, community groups, and government offices.

Don’t let limited resources stifle your creativity. Once you’ve created a vision for your club and mobilized support at your school from students, parents, teachers, and administrators, take the next step to reach out to the community for support.

Here are a few examples of ways that students might engage with community partners, beyond simply asking for monetary sponsorship (which may also be a good idea). We have partnered with both Microsoft and BP on a variety of outreach programs, so I will use them as a point of reference.

Students presenting at the Service First drone technology event sponsored by BP

Companies such as BP support design challenges, STEM showcases, college advising, and a wide variety of education outreach programs, and they are highly receptive to working with schools and student groups to bring fun and impactful learning opportunities to K-12.

If you want to start a geology club, you might reach out to BP to request a guest speaker to talk to your club about the role of geology in the energy industry. Or, perhaps, you want to create an environmental club – BP has a wealth of information on green energy initiatives and resource for K-12 students who are interested in positively impacting the environment.

Microsoft similarly supports a wide variety of education initiatives and programs, including hack-a-thons, online gaming tournaments, and technology training sessions.

If you’re interested in robotics, gaming, coding, artificial intelligence, drones, or virtual reality, consider reaching out to the Community Development Specialist at your local Microsoft Store to request a special event for your school or a store hosted event for your club members.

Maybe you are interested in making your school a safer and happier place by addressing the issue of bullying. Why not start a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club, and ask local instructors to volunteer time to lead training sessions at your school? Or, connect with university students and professors to ask them to lead an anti-bullying discussion at your school?

These are just a few examples, but the important thing is to be creative and compelling in your partnership requests. When K-12 students demonstrate genuine enthusiasm, the community is phenomenally responsive and supportive.