Women's History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of generations of women around the world. And what better way to celebrate than by recognizing the importance of providing opportunities for female students to excel outside the traditional classroom setting?
Student activities, campus groups, and other organizations and extracurriculars play a pivotal role in empowering all college students while fostering personal growth, leadership skills, and a sense of community. While the groups here focus on supporting and uplifting women and nonbinary students, they are often open to any student who shares their goals. Let’s take a look at some examples of great extracurricular activities that support and celebrate women students at colleges across the country.
Fostering personal growth through clubs and organizations
No matter your major or field, you can access valuable opportunities for intellectual growth, mentorship, and community through academic, professional, and special interest activities on campus. Science clubs, coding workshops, and math teams provide spaces for women to pursue their passions and develop critical-thinking skills. These activities not only enhance academic performance but also foster a sense of belonging and empowerment, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Many of these clubs welcome all students who share their mission while focusing on supporting women. For example, the Society of Women Engineers and Women in STEM both work to reduce gender disparities in technology and engineering while offering mentorship and networking opportunities. Other national organizations such as Girls Who Code and She’s the First provide platforms for students to engage in advocacy and work toward closing gender gaps in education.
You’ll find many chapters of specialized groups that support women in diverse fields on college campuses. Women in Business offers career development resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and corporate leaders, while the Association for Women in Science and the American Medical Women’s Association offer extensive support for women pursuing advanced degrees and careers across disciplines.
Related: 10 Great Academic and Professional Groups for Women
Making a positive impact with community service and volunteering
Community service and volunteer work are also integral parts of extracurricular involvement in college. Initiatives like environmental cleanups, fundraising campaigns, and mentoring programs allow students to make a positive impact on their communities while developing empathy, leadership, and organizational skills.
Look for chapters of national organizations like the American Association of University Women, which offers service-oriented programs that empower women while promoting leadership and volunteerism across all genders. These types of volunteer opportunities encourage collective action while emphasizing the importance of women's contributions to community service.
Breaking barriers and building confidence through sports
Sports have long been a domain where women have had to break barriers. Today, many colleges offer athletic programs that allow female students to participate and excel on athletic teams. From soccer and basketball to track & field and swimming, there's a sport for every interest and skill level.
By participating in a college athletic program, you’ll join a welcoming environment that empowers student-athletes and promotes physical wellness while also building confidence, teamwork, and resilience. For additional support, national organizations like the Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association and Women Leaders in College Sports advocate for women in athletics and provide resources for student-athletes and aspiring sports professionals alike.
Related: Learn about the Association for Women in Sports Media Internship and Scholarship Program
Advocating for change with feminist and gender equality clubs
Feminist and gender equality clubs provide safe spaces for discussion, activism, and education on issues related to social justice and gender rights. These clubs empower all students to challenge societal norms, advocate for women’s rights, and effect positive change in their communities and beyond. Through these clubs, students of all genders can demonstrate their commitment to supporting and advancing women-focused causes. National groups such as the UN Women’s HeForShe campaign and the Feminist Majority Foundation provide additional resources and advocacy opportunities for students who are passionate about gender equality.
Nurturing talent and expression with creative outlets
There are also endless opportunities for women to explore their creative talents and interests in college, both in their major and outside of it. Art clubs, theater groups, and music ensembles provide platforms for any student to share their work and experience artistic development. These activities foster creativity, collaboration, and confidence, nurturing the next generation of artists, performers, and creators.
As you search for colleges or extracurricular opportunities, look for chapters of Her Campus Media and art exhibitions by the National Association of Women Artists, which can be found on campuses across the country. While these groups focus on amplifying women's voices, they’re open to anyone who values and supports their artistic missions while offering platforms for young women and non-binary students to share their creative work and express themselves freely.
Related: How to Stay Involved in the Arts as a Non-Major
As we celebrate Women's History Month, it’s important to not only honor the achievements of women throughout history but also reaffirm the commitment many colleges and universities have made to providing opportunities for women and non-binary students to thrive and succeed. These groups and activities are designed to empower women while welcoming anyone who shares their goals of fostering growth and opportunity.
Getting involved in these extracurricular activities, student groups, and other opportunities on campus empowers you and others as the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers, with a special focus on supporting and uplifting women during this pivotal time. Happy Women’s History Month!
