20 Online Extracurricular Activities for High School Students

College admissions are about more than just grades and test scores. Admission officers also want to see who you are beyond academics. That’s why extracurricular activities matter so much. They highlight your leadership, creativity, initiative, and resilience — qualities that make your application stand out.

In fact, according to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), nearly 44.3% of colleges place considerable importance on extracurricular involvement when reviewing applications. Of course, not everyone has access to in-person clubs or internships. Between busy schedules, location barriers, and limited school resources, it can feel tough to find opportunities. That’s where online extracurricular activities come in. They allow you to explore your passions, build new skills, and create meaningful experiences, regardless of where you live.

In this blog, we’ve pulled together 20 online extracurricular activities for high school students. Each one can help you grow, discover new interests, and most importantly, tell your story in a way that stands out in college essays and applications.

20 Online Extracurricular Activities for High School Students

1. Join a Coding Club

If you’ve ever thought about learning to code or maybe even building your own app, this is a great place to start. Organizations like Girls Who Code run free online clubs and summer programs where you’ll not only learn programming, but also get to work on cool projects with other students from around the world.

Skills gained: Coding, problem-solving, teamwork, perseverance.

Why it matters for you: It shows colleges you’re willing to take on complex challenges and stick with them. If you’ve got a project to show off, like a simple app or a website you built, you’ll have something concrete to highlight in your application or essay.

How to start: Try free resources like Codecademy or Harvard’s CS50x (edX) before joining a structured club.

2. Volunteer as an Online Tutor

Enjoy explaining concepts to friends? You can leverage that skill by assisting younger students or peers online. Platforms like UPchieve and Learn To Be connect volunteers with students who need free tutoring in math, science, and even writing.

Skills gained: Leadership, empathy, communication, and teaching.

Why it matters for you: Tutoring is one of those activities that demonstrates your commitment to giving back. Plus, it highlights your mastery of academic subjects.

How to start: Commit just 1–2 hours a week to begin; keep a reflection journal of students’ progress to use later in applications.

3. Publish Work in an Online Literary Magazine

If writing is your creative outlet, don’t keep it hidden in a Google Doc — youth-focused literary platforms like Polyphony Lit welcome submissions of poetry, short stories, essays, and more.

Skills you’ll gain: Creative writing, critical thinking, and self-expression.

Why it matters for you: Having your work published online is an impressive accomplishment. It tells colleges you’re serious about your craft and willing to put your creativity out there. Bonus: If you collect multiple publications, you can build a portfolio to share with admissions or scholarship committees.

How to start: Pick one polished piece and submit it. Don’t wait until you have a “perfect” collection.

4. Participate in Virtual Debate or Model UN

Think fast, talk smart. That’s what debate and Model UN teach you. With online leagues and conferences, you can join students worldwide to debate everything from international policy to environmental ethics.

Skills you’ll gain: Public speaking, research, persuasion, and global awareness.

Why it matters for you: Admissions officers love activities that show confidence and leadership. Being able to argue your case or represent a country in a Model UN simulation shows intellectual curiosity and maturity. It’s also a great way to practice answering tough interview questions down the road.

How to start: Join organizations like Best Delegate’s Virtual MUN or the National Speech & Debate Association’s online tournaments.

5. Join a Citizen Science Project

Want to be part of actual scientific research, without needing a lab coat? Platforms like Zooniverse let you contribute to projects ranging from identifying animal photos to transcribing old manuscripts.

Skills you’ll gain: Attention to detail, data analysis, patience, and collaboration with researchers.

Why it matters for you: Citizen science stands out because it’s unique and shows initiative. You’ll gain stories of working with researchers that few high schoolers can claim. This could be a strong essay topic if you’re aiming for STEM fields.

How to start: Sign up on Zooniverse and commit to one project. You can start contributing in just minutes.

6. Start a Blog or Podcast

Got something you’re passionate about, like books, tech, sports, or social issues? Starting a blog or podcast is a fun way to share your voice with the world. You can use platforms like Medium to write articles or Spotify/Apple Podcasts to host episodes.

Skills you’ll gain: Writing, consistency, digital communication, storytelling.

Why it matters for you: A blog or podcast shows initiative and originality, two qualities colleges love. If you maintain it over time, it also shows commitment and discipline. 

How to start: Pick one topic you care about and commit to one post or episode a month. Consistency matters more than perfection.

7. Take Part in Online Hackathons

Hackathons aren’t just for advanced coders; you’ll often find beginner-friendly ones, too. These events bring students together (virtually) to brainstorm, design, and build a project in just a couple of days.

Skills you’ll gain: Teamwork, problem-solving, innovation, coding, or design.

Why it matters for you: Participating in a hackathon shows you can collaborate under pressure, manage time, and think creatively. Even if your project doesn’t “win,” you’ll still have an exciting story to share about what you built and how you worked with a team.

How to start: Look for events on Devpost or Major League Hacking; many run virtually and welcome high school students.

8. Join a Virtual Language Exchange Program

Want to practice Spanish with someone in Spain or learn Japanese from a student in Tokyo? Platforms like Tandem make it possible to connect with peers around the globe to swap languages and cultures.

Skills you’ll gain: Communication, cultural awareness, adaptability, and language fluency.

Why it matters for you: Colleges love globally minded students. Joining a language exchange shows you’re curious about the world and willing to step outside your comfort zone. It could even help with college-level language placement exams.

How to start: Start with 20–30 minutes a week. Consistency will help you grow your confidence.

9. Contribute to Open-Source Projects

If you’re into coding, this is your chance to make an impact. Developers all over the world post projects on GitHub where anyone, including high school students, can contribute fixes, new features, or documentation.

Skills you’ll gain: Technical coding, collaboration, problem-solving, and professional communication.

Why it matters for you: Contributing to open-source projects is like working on a global team. Colleges will see that you’re not only skilled but also motivated enough to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges.

How to start: Look up “good first issue” on GitHub to find beginner-friendly projects.

10. Enroll in a Virtual Research Program

Always been curious about diving deep into a topic? Many universities and organizations offer online research opportunities that allow high school students to collaborate with professors or complete guided independent projects.

Skills you’ll gain: Research methods, academic writing, analysis, and critical thinking.

Why it matters for you: Research is a surefire way to stand out. It demonstrates intellectual maturity and a passion for learning. If you produce a paper or presentation, you’ll have tangible proof of your hard work that admissions officers will take seriously.

How to start: Explore programs on platforms like Lumiere Education or reach out to professors whose work interests you.

11. Launch a Small Online Business

Have a hobby you love, like making jewelry, designing stickers, or editing videos? You can turn it into a small business with platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or even Instagram. It doesn’t need to be huge, just something that lets you combine creativity with entrepreneurship.

Skills you’ll gain: Business strategy, marketing, financial literacy, and customer service.

Why it matters for you: Running even a small online shop shows initiative and independence. Colleges will see that you don’t just wait for opportunities, you create them. It also gives you unique stories to share in essays.

How to start: Pick one product or service, set up a free Instagram or TikTok account, and share your work with friends and family first. As you get feedback, you can branch out to platforms like Etsy.

12. Join an Online Student Newspaper or Journalism Program

Do you enjoy writing about current events, school happenings, or even entertainment? Online outlets like Teen Ink give you the chance to share your work with real audiences.

Skills you’ll gain: Research, interviewing, persuasive writing, and critical analysis.

Why it matters for you: Journalism highlights your communication skills and your ability to amplify voices or ideas. Admissions officers appreciate students who engage with the world around them, and journalism shows exactly that.

How to start: Begin by reading student newspapers, such as The New York Times Learning Network, for inspiration. Then, write one article on something you care about and pitch it to a youth-focused magazine. 

13. Take Online Art & Design Courses

Maybe you’re passionate about drawing, digital design, or photography. Platforms like Skillshare or Coursera offer structured online courses that enable you to grow your skills and even build a professional portfolio.

Skills you’ll gain: Creativity, design thinking, discipline, and visual storytelling.

Why it matters for you: A portfolio of original work displays artistic talent and commitment. If you’re applying to art, design, or architecture programs, this can give you a competitive edge.

How to start: Pick one tool or medium to focus on, like Photoshop, Procreate, or digital photography. Follow a short online course, then create a mini-project that you can share online.

14. Join a Virtual Volunteer Program

Volunteering doesn’t have to be in person. Platforms like UN Volunteers enable students to contribute to campaigns, fundraising efforts, or online advocacy. From climate activism to community outreach, there are tons of ways to give back virtually.

Skills you’ll gain: Leadership, teamwork, advocacy, and project management.

Why it matters for you: Underscores civic engagement and global awareness; colleges value students who make a tangible impact in their communities.

How to start: Choose a cause you genuinely care about. Then, sign up with one organization and commit to just one task or campaign first, such as posting regularly, creating awareness content, or joining a campaign call. 

15. Participate in Online Competitions (Math, Science, or Writing)

National and international organizations host virtual Olympiads, essay contests, and STEM challenges that students can enter online. They’re a fun way to test your skills, push yourself, and connect with motivated peers.

Skills you’ll gain: Analytical thinking, discipline, perseverance, and academic excellence.

Why it matters for you: Excelling in a recognized competition adds significant credibility to a student’s application and showcases passion in a chosen subject.

How to start: Look up contests in your area of interest (try the John Locke Essay Competition for writing, American Mathematics Competitions for math, or Google Science Fair for STEM). Pick one that excites you and participate.

16. Attend Virtual Career Webinars & Conferences

Curious about what it’s really like to work in medicine, engineering, or business? Many industries host online career days, webinars, and student-friendly conferences where you can hear from professionals, attend workshops, and even ask questions live.

Skills you’ll gain: Networking, career awareness, and professional communication.

Why it matters for you: Shows initiative in exploring career interests early, and students can reference these insights in college essays or interviews.

How to start: Check out free events on Eventbrite, LinkedIn, or professional organizations in your field of interest. 

17. Take Part in Online Music or Theater Groups

If you’re passionate about the arts, a stage isn't necessary to perform. Numerous ensembles, choirs, and theater groups rehearse virtually, and some even record performances online. You can also join songwriting workshops or digital jam sessions with peers worldwide.

Skills you’ll gain: Collaboration, creativity, discipline, and performance skills.

Why it matters for you: Demonstrates dedication to the arts and teamwork, especially compelling for applications to programs in music, theater, or liberal arts.

How to start: Look for virtual ensembles or theater programs on platforms like Virtual Choir or StageMilk. Start by recording a short audition piece or joining a free workshop to get comfortable.

18. Join a Virtual Mentorship Program

Having a mentor is one of the best ways to learn about a career path. Programs like Built By Girls or NextGenVest connect students with professionals in fields like tech, business, or finance. You’ll receive advice, resources, and a genuine insight into various careers.

Skills you’ll gain: Career guidance, networking, communication, and goal setting.

Admissions impact: Highlights maturity, career readiness, and the ability to seek out growth opportunities, qualities colleges find impressive.

How to start: Apply to a structured program like Built By Girls, or even reach out to alumni from your school on LinkedIn. Prepare a few thoughtful questions before your first call. Mentors love curious students!

19. Participate in Online Activism or Advocacy

If there’s a cause you care deeply about, like climate change, equity, or mental health, you can get involved online. Platforms like Change.org or social media campaigns make it easy to raise awareness and take action from home.

Skills you’ll gain: Leadership, persuasive communication, digital strategy, civic engagement.

Why it matters for you: Colleges love students who are socially aware and take action, especially when their advocacy aligns with personal essays or future study goals.

How to start: Pick one cause and one platform. For example, join a digital campaign for climate change or create your own awareness page. 

20. Build a Personal Passion Project Website

Whether you’re into writing, coding, photography, or research, a personal website is a great way to showcase your work in one place. It doubles as a digital portfolio that you can share in applications or even link to a resume.

Skills you’ll gain: Web design, personal branding, self-motivation, creativity.

Why it matters for you: A personal website stands out in applications, making it easy to highlight achievements and demonstrate initiative.

How to start: Use free tools like Wix, WordPress, or Carrd to create a simple homepage. Start with a short bio and upload a few of your projects (an essay, artwork, or coding project). 

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar ProgramOne other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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