There is more to a school than the eight hour learning period that every student experiences. Extracurricular activities provide experiences that are voluntary for students to get involved in. Extracurricular activities developed in the United States in the 19th century. Literacy clubs, yearbooks, newspaper and athletics became outlets for students to grow and develop life skills outside of the classroom.

In a study conducted by Kimiko Fujita, it was found that students who participate in extracurricular activities perform better academically. About one in four students participate in extracurricular activities. In a study conducted by the United States Department of Education, it was found “that students who participate in extracurricular activities are three times more likely to have a grade point average of a 3.0 or higher. This is higher than students who did not participate in extracurricular activities.”

When students participate in extracurricular activities, they are learning essential life skills that will benefit them in their years beyond school. Developing skills like teamwork and leadership gives students the opportunity to experience more social opportunities, making new friends and meeting new people within their school setting. These activities allow students to explore their interests outside of the mandatory curriculum.

The United States Department of Education funds school’s extracurricular activities. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, activity funds are unique to every school district and can compensate for activities like student council, drama club, marching bands and national honor societies. Students are involved in these organizations but also are involved in managing and directing the organization's activities. District activity funds that belong to the school district are used to fund its co-curricular and extracurricular activities and are allocated by the school district. All decisions made with this money must be approved by the school board.

These activities provide a major benefit to students but are often the first cut when it comes to funding and budget decisions. When funds are cut by the federal government or the state, it has an impact on students who benefit from these programs.

Some schools that are facing drastic budget cuts are now charging students to participate in these extracurricular activities. These “pay-to-play” schools charge flat fees for each sport a student plays, team fees and other costs. The average cost to participate in a sport was $381. According to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll reported that one-third of lower-income students participated in sports, while more than half of higher-income students participated. A
“Pay-to-play” system leads to inequity based on income, meaning that students who cannot afford the fees cannot participate. 

These “pay-to-play” policies are regulated by each state, some guaranteeing the right to free public education and activities, while other states are allowed to authorize fees based on their legislation. These fees can be debilitating to a student’s athletic career and hinder them from the benefits of the transferable skills learned in a team setting. 

Extracurricular activities offer an experience of learning and growth outside of the classroom. When these programs are not funded or cut entirely, students who excel in these areas are not getting the education they deserve.