An examination of the relationship between participation in school-sponsored extracurricular activities and student achievement

This study examined the relationship between levels of student engagement in extracurricular activities and academic achievement. The cumulative hours of extracurricular engagement of the seniors at Calhoun High School were compared to their academic achievement through 4 years of high school. Other data collection procedures consisted of in-depth interviews with students, coaches/sponsors, and other adult faculty members.;The study results revealed a positive correlation between the academic achievement levels for students who participated in extracurricular activities and those who did not participate. The results also indicated that there was a significant difference (p = .000) in the grade point averages between Whites and non-Whites with respect to extracurricular engagement levels.;Several themes emerged from the interviews: (1) the level of enthusiasm was higher at the upper levels of engagement; (2) students and coaches/sponsors perceived that there is a relationship between attendance and student achievement; (3) students and coaches/sponsors reported a positive relationship between engagement and discipline; and (4) students and coaches/sponsors perceived that valuable life lessons are learned from participating in extracurricular activities. Faculty members reported that coaches play a father role to many of the participants. The major practical implication is that educators would serve students well by promoting student engagement in extracurricular activities.