Activities provide you with an incredible opportunity to try something new, develop your skills/talents/experience in a certain area, and show potential high schools/colleges/universities/employers who you are outside of the classroom or workplace. They also allow you to connect with the community, make new friends, and develop a strong professional network. Those are a lot of great benefits for something you can often do in your spare time, on the weekend, or at your current school. Before getting to the list below, remember that you can always email us and we'll work with you to explore these and other opportunities.
As you explore the activities listed below, think of them from several perspectives. Think past the activity as just an activity. If you are volunteering to serve as an usher or a social media coordinator for a local theatre (live theatre!), consider how you experience could lead to a part-time job there or at another theatre over the summer. If you attend a free show offered by a local organization and you're interested in live performances or sound boards or videography or community events or costume design or acting/music-making, talk to the people in charge and see if they need help putting on future events. Find ways to leverage your activities so that you can gain more experience and connections in areas of interest to you. Not only is it fun, these types of activities can help you get into the school of your dreams or get the job of dreams!
Community Involvement
Tutoring younger students at a nearby school or tutor center
Community clean up days
Outdoor music fesitvals
Farmer's Markets (you could even sell a product or service of your own!)
Intern for a local council member or legislator (the city and state governments are right here!)
Certifications
Scuba
First Aid
CPR
Mental Health
EMT Training
Microsoft/Google/Apple certifications for IT/computer skills
Environment
Outdoor clubs
Sierra Club
Local hiking groups
Local clean up groups
Connecticut Trails Certification
Theatres/Music/TV/Radio
Hartford Stage Company
Dance Groups
Hartford Symphony Orchestra
Theaterworks
Hartford (or your local city's) Community Television Station (Camera Operator, Production Room Operator, Art Department)
Create a weekly Podcast/YouTube video on an area of interest (things happening in your area, game strategies, study skills, discussion of topics from your classes)...
Try an alternative instrument (ever heard of a nose flute? Google it!)
Artist's Collective (singing, instruments, performances, lessons...)
Non-Profit Issue Organizations
Young Entrepreneurs Academy (yeausa.org)
Connecticut Health Foundation
Hartford Public LIbrary
Greater Hartford Arts Council
Capital City YouthBuild AmeriCorps (ages 16-24...you get paid too!)
Computers/Tech
Microsoft/Google/Apple certifications for IT/computer skills
CompTIA A+ Certification
Khan Academy
DataCamp
Coursera
EdX
Learn to build apps for Android and iOS (many free online platforms for this)
Learn to code R, Python, Java/JavaScript... (many free resources for this and these can help you get a job later too!)