#SchoolPR Insights Blog

Many students want to get involved—they just don’t know how. Some might be interested in a specific activity, but aren’t sure if there’s a school program for it. Whether they’ve found their niche or not, students deserve to explore all the possibilities at their school.

As we head into the new school year, be sure to promote opportunities that pique students’ interests and forge them into well-rounded, community-oriented leaders.

Varsity and intramural sports

Sports have benefits beyond physical fitness. No matter which sport they choose, students are bound to gain teamwork and leadership skills while boosting their self-esteem and school spirit. Physical activity also helps students excel academically and can even open doors to college scholarships.

To promote sports involvement, host early tryouts and showcase teams at orientation events. Consider offering “no-cut” options or intramural leagues to include more students. Invite existing or past student-athletes to share their experiences and encourage more sign-ups.

Volunteer groups

Students who give back through volunteering develop empathy and a broader worldview. They’ll connect with their community and discover a passion for helping others—which can lead to a fulfilling career in the future!

Inspire students to volunteer by advertising a variety of opportunities at a back-to-school fair. Highlight both student-led initiatives and your school’s partnerships with local organizations.

Student council

Student council isn’t just for students who dream of becoming president one day! Members learn to advocate for their peers and enact real change in their school community. Plus, they develop practical skills like public speaking, problem-solving and teamwork that will serve them well beyond graduation.

To boost participants, start with an engaging info session. Educate students about how the council has made a positive impact in the past. You might even consider adding extra class representative positions to involve more students and give diverse voices a platform.

Peer mentorship

Peer mentorship programs are incredibly good at fostering personal growth. As mentors, students hone their leadership skills and boost their empathy. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of helping a fellow student find their footing!

Start with a school kickoff event that promotes success stories from past mentors and mentees. Interactive training workshops can also get students excited to become great role models. And don’t forget to offer incentives like leadership certificates or college recommendation letters.

Introduce students to new opportunities

We’ve barely scratched the surface here. If you dig even deeper, you’ll uncover many more ways to get students involved, including programs that are only offered at your school. Find as many opportunities as you can, and make sure students know about them all.

Be the person who helps a student discover their new passion!