Top 6 Entrepreneurial Extracurricular Activities

As a high school student, you may be looking for ways to develop your entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. Here are a few entrepreneurial extracurricular activities for high school students that can help you do just that:

Start a company as an entrepreneurial extracurricular

This one may be obvious as an entrepreneurial activity.  It has never been easier, though, to pursue an interest and turn it into a business.  This may come in the form of selling crafts on Etsy, having freemium upcharges on a phone app that you launch in the app store (there are even great resources with minimal and no-code ways to create an app), a product you made that your peers love and you’re finding new channels to sell, and many more.

Participate in business plan competitions

Many schools and organizations host business plan competitions for high school students. These competitions can provide a great opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship and develop your own business ideas. By participating in a competition, you'll have the chance to research your market, create a business plan, and pitch your idea to a panel of judges.

Join an entrepreneurship club

Many high schools have entrepreneurship clubs that provide students with the opportunity to learn about entrepreneurship and pitch business ideas to their peers. These clubs can be a great way to connect with other students who are interested in entrepreneurship and learn from guest speakers and advisors.

Get an internship or apprenticeship

Internships and apprenticeships with local businesses or startups can provide you with hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from experienced entrepreneurs. These programs can give you valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of a business and help you develop practical skills that will be useful in your future endeavors.

Take online courses and programs

There are many online courses and programs specifically designed for high school students interested in entrepreneurship. These programs can be a great way for you to learn about entrepreneurship from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. There are some great online courses for aspiring entrepreneurs, so we’ll devote a whole post to this soon.

Attend entrepreneurial events and conferences

Many cities and organizations host events and conferences for entrepreneurs, including some that are specifically designed for high school students. Attending these events can provide you with valuable insights and networking opportunities. You'll have the chance to learn from successful entrepreneurs and get inspired by their stories.There are many entrepreneurship conferences available, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and goals. Here are a couple of the top entrepreneurship conferences:

• TechCrunch Disrupt: TechCrunch Disrupt is a conference organized by TechCrunch, a technology media company, that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and technology industry leaders to discuss the latest trends in the tech industry.
• South by Southwest (SXSW): South by Southwest (SXSW) is a conference and festival that brings together entrepreneurs, artists, and experts to discuss a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship.

There are many programs available for building your entrepreneurial skills while in high school, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and goals. Here are a few top programs for high school entrepreneurship:

1. National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE): This program provides entrepreneurship education to young people from low-income communities. They offer a variety of programs, including a high school entrepreneurship program.
2. DECA: DECA is a high school and college business organization that offers entrepreneurship competitions and other resources for students interested in starting their own businesses.
3. Junior Achievement: Junior Achievement is a global organization that offers programs to teach young people about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work readiness. They have a variety of programs specifically for high school students.
4. The Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC): The YEC is a network of successful young entrepreneurs who provide resources and support to other young entrepreneurs. They offer a variety of programs and events specifically for high school students.
5. The Thiel Fellowship: The Thiel Fellowship is a program for young people who are interested in pursuing entrepreneurship. It provides funding, mentorship, and other resources to help young entrepreneurs succeed.
6. Girls Who Code: Girls Who Code is a nonprofit organization that teaches young girls how to code and also has a program called Girls Who Code Clubs that helps girls learn how to start their own businesses.
7. Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA): The GSEA is a global competition organized by the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) that recognizes and supports student entrepreneurs. The competition is open to high school and college students who own and operate their own businesses.

By participating in these types of extracurricular activities, you can gain valuable entrepreneurial skills and knowledge that will help you succeed in your future endeavors. Whether you're interested in starting your own business or just want to develop your entrepreneurial skills, these activities can provide a great foundation for your future success.