Boston Area Student Extracurricular Activities
Boston’s students, both local and online, engage in diverse extracurriculars, ranging from robotics clubs and volunteering to virtual art and coding websites.
Boston Area Local & Online Activities
Select location, age group, and/or topic.
Action for the Climate Emergency
Whether you’re interested in being more involved civically or stopping fossil fuels in your community, there are ways you can help.
DoSomething.org
DoSomething fuels young people to create change. For 30 years, we’ve supported 8 million youth in turning passion into action.
Generation Global - Youth Advisory Group
A council of young people volunteering worldwide to meet online twice over a semester with Generation Global staff to discuss ideas.
Global Citizen
Global Citizen mobilizes millions to drive policy change aimed at defeating poverty, promoting equity, & defending the planet.
Youth Service America
Youth Service America believes that youth, communities, and our democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good.
ArchitectureCourses.org
On this six-week course, you’ll improve your sketching skills & learn from our experts to help you prepare for a career in 3D design.
Berkley Extension: Art and Design
Ensure Berkeley is on your résumé by taking one course or completing a certificate to help you start, advance, or change a career.
MIT OpenCoursewWare: Introduction to Architecture & Environmental Design
The design of architecture as well as urbanism & landscape are examined in context of the larger influence of the arts & sciences.
The American Institute of Architecture Students
Explore architecture programs, resources, & career paths with AIAS's Study Architecture platform.
Creativebug
Creativebug offers fun, online art & craft classes for kids & teens, taught by expert artists.
Drawspace
Drawspace offers online art courses for all skill levels, from drawing basics to advanced techniques.
Khan Academy: Cosmology and Astronomy
Khan Academy's Cosmology & Astronomy course offers free lessons on the universe's scale, stars, black holes, & Earth's history.
MIT OpenCourseWare: Introduction to Astronomy
Introduction to Astronomy provides an introduction to the physics of the solar system, stars, the interstellar medium, & the universe.
NASA: Jet Propulsion Laboratory
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory offers educational resources, including lesson plans, projects, & videos for students in STEM fields.
Open Yale Courses: Astronomy
The Department of Astronomy at Yale offers a wide range of courses in astronomy, physics, & mathematics.
The Planetary Society
There is a potential 50% cut to NASA science on the line. Fuel our efforts to stop this cut & help us hit our goal of 800 new members.
Inspirit AI
Artificial Intelligence high school & middle school intensives led by Stanford & MIT Graduate students.
Scratch (developed by MIT)
The world’s largest coding community for children that allows young people to create digital stories, games, & animations.
Treehouse
Founded in 2011, Treehouse offers accessible, affordable online tech education, teaching over 1.2 million people to code and design.
Tynker
Tynker equips children with foundational computer science, programming, & critical thinking skills to prepare them for the future.
MIT OpenCourseWare: Africana Studies
MIT OpenCourseWare has curated this collection of courses related to Africana, African American, & Black Studies topics.
iD Tech: Computer Science and Cybersecurity Classes
iD Tech offers online coding, game development, robotics, & design courses for kids & teens, taught by expert instructors.
SHPE: Virtual STEM Labs
We provide K-12 students access to a variety of opportunities in science, technology, engineering, & math!
Young Wonks: Online Coding Classes
Computer science classes with robotics, Internet of Things (IOT) & game development based curriculum.
Boston Harbor Now - Events, Volunteer Opportunities
Vibrant public programming across Boston’s Harbor, islands, and waterfront. Learn about upcoming events.
New Art Center in Newton, MA
A non-profit community art education space offering all levels opportunities to make, exhibit, and talk about art.
Brookline Arts Center in Brookline, MA
Providing meaningful experiences in the arts through classes, exhibitions, and outreach.
MFA Boston - Teen Studio Art Classes
Teens ages 12-17 are invited to question, explore, experiment, and solve problems as they create and interact with art
The Umbrella - Teen Classes & Workshops - in Concord, MA
The Umbrella enriches lives and builds a vibrant and inclusive community through the arts.
BU - Public Open Night at the Observatory
The Public Open Night at the Observatory is a chance for people to come observe the night sky through telescopes.
One Love Sports Camp
We offer five different programs that provide a range of academic, leadership and sports-based opportunities for young people of all ages.
CodeEX - in Acton & Maynard, MA
After-school coding lessons and summer camps that teach kids valuable coding skills in a supportive, engaging environment.
Penguin Coding School - in Lexington, Acton, & Newton, MA
Discover the best kids’ activities in your neighborhood. We offer kids classes, camps, and events
Code Wiz - in multiple cities including Quincy, Needham, and Westford, MA
Empower kids of all ages with coding lessons that build confidence, skills, and creativity.
Code and Circuit - First Tech Challenge Competition - in Amesbury, MA
For families to discover! Offering kids classes, camps, and events.
CS Recitations - in Natick, MA
Founded by MIT alumni, we offer coding classes for grades 3–12 with small groups, expert teachers, and DESE-aligned curriculum.
iCode: The Belt Program - in Wellesley, MA
Our popular Belt program helps kids develop technical and soft skills through hands-on activities in the latest technology.
KTBYTE - in Lexington, MA
Our unique coding curriculum helps students achieve programming goals with personalized pacing and expert guidance for success.
Wentworth Institute of Technology - Girls Who Code
This free virtual program aims to close the gender gap in technology and inspire the next generation of women in the field.
The Coder School - in Sudbury, MA
Welcome to the CoderSchool, a place where kids learn to code in our cool startup-vibe locations.
Boston Music Project - Private Lessons
Boston Music Project offers private music lessons for students of all levels and package options that align with the BPS school year.
Temple Israel of Boston - Classes
Engage and learn in small classes facilitated by experienced Jewish educators and field experts.
Hebrew College - Teen Learning - in Newton, mA
Explore Jewish texts, philanthropy, and leadership through various programs or take a gap year with Kivunim or Young Judaea Year.
Museum of African American History - Writing Boston's Future Fellowship
Selected African American youth candidates learn to help transform the curriculum around racial equity.
Boston Workers Circle - Teens Acting for Social Change - in Brookline, MA
Teens Acting for Social Change (TASC) is a teen-led group that focuses on social justice, community building, and taking action.
East Boston Social Centers - Thriving Teens - in East Boston, MA
Thriving Teens offers a supportive environment for those ages 10-19 to grow their personal development and community.
The Dance Complex – Musical Theatre Classes
We support dance creation, study, & performance, connecting artists, audiences, & the community through movement and ideas.
Arlington Children's Theatre
Arlington Children’s Theatre creates high-quality theatrical experiences for children ages 7-18 with productions and workshops.
Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University
At Wheelock Family Theatre, family theatre means smart, engaging entertainment for all ages, welcoming both related and chosen family.
Concord Youth Theatre
Concord Youth Theatre empowers young people with live theater, fostering community through performance and education.
Kidstock! Creative Theater
Kidstock! Creative Theater is dedicated to a unique approach in education through the performing arts for children of all ages.
The Company Theatre
The Company Theatre fosters inclusive creative expression, welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities on stage.
Drama Studio
The Drama Studio offers weekly classes and the opportunity to participate in performances for youth ages 9-18.
Stoneham Theatre’s Young Company
The Young Company program offers theatre education for students in grades 1–10 with hands-on performance experience.
Watertown Children's Theatre (WCT)
We offer a variety of programs, including musicals, plays, after-school and year-round classes, vacation camps, and weekend workshops.
Apollinaire Play Lab
Youth classes in acting, dance, and visual art. Scholarships are available to ensure access regardless of financial need.
SpeakEasy Stage Company – Teen Acting Classes
A nonprofit theater in Boston’s South End, producing bold new plays & musicals while supporting local, emerging artists & youth.
The Actors’ Studio of Newburyport – Youth Acting Classes
Acting & writing classes include cold reading, improv, scene study, monologue coaching, & more, led by founder Marc Clopton.
MITES - Saturdays - in Cambridge, MA
MITES Saturdays offers 7th–12th graders a multi-year STEM program to build skills, explore tech, and grow academically.
Science Club for Girls - Junior Mentor - in Cambridge, MA
The Junior Mentor Program empowers 8–12th grade girls & gender-expansive youth to grow in STEM & leadership.
Mayor's Youth Council
The Mayor's Youth Council empowers youth to engage civically, shape city policies, and ensure their voices influence local decisions.
History Cambridge Corps Volunteer - in Cambridge, MA
Join History Cambridge Corps to share untold stories! Volunteer to research, write, and amplify Cambridge’s hidden histories.
National History Day in MA
National History Day allows 6–12th graders to explore history through research and creative projects on a topic of their choice.
Mass Clean Air and Energy Center - Technical Trades Work and Learning Program
A program that offers vocational students paid, hands-on experience in the clean energy sector year-round.
futureBOS
futureBOS connects high school students with job opportunities to help them find the right fit.
North End Music and Performing Arts Center
NEMPAC’s Teen Interns mentor younger students in arts programs, helping to develop essential leadership and interpersonal skills.
The Education Cooperative - Internship Certificate Program - in East Walpole, MA
The TEC Internship Certificate Program offers hands-on career exploration for junior and senior high school students.
Commonwealth Corporation - Youth Works
YouthWorks is a state-funded program that helps teens and young adults build skills and gain experience for lasting employment.
French Library - in Boston & Cambridge, MA
Fun, immersive lessons for ages 3-17 at the French Library! All levels welcome.
Newton Chinese Language School - in Newton, MA
NCLS offers Chinese language and culture programs for kids and serves as a vibrant community hub in Greater Boston.
Center for Arabic Culture - in Somerville, MA
The Center for Arabic Culture hosts cultural events, Arabic classes, and music programs to celebrate and promote Arab heritage.
Goethe-Institute
We offer online group and individual German courses for learners of all stages.
New England Language School - in Quincy, MA
Cape & Islands Gay Straight Alliance - in Hyannis, MA
A Gay & Straight Alliance offering a peer-led, adult-advised space for young people to connect, with meetings, events, and support.
BAGLY
A youth-led, adult-supported group advocating for LGBTQ+ youth in MA through programs, policies, and social justice initiatives.
NAGLY - in Salem, MA
An organization welcoming LGBTQIA+ youth of all backgrounds and abilities that allows for identity exploration and community building.
The Theater Offensive - True Colors: OUT Youth Theater
The Theater Offensive’s longest-running program, empowering LGBTQ+ & allied youth through theater, leadership training, & activism.
Safe Homes - in Worcester and Fitchburg, MA
We are a program for LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies, ages 14-23 that provides support, resources, and social opportunities.
Health Imperatives - in Brockton, MA
We offer services such as counseling, education on healthy relationships, and support for vulnerable youth.
Mathnasium - multiple locations including Brookline, MA
Combining personalized learning plans with interactive techniques, students of all skill levels develop a deep understanding of math.
MathPlus School - in Newtonville, MA
We build a strong math foundation with hands-on activities, puzzles, & real-world problems to inspire curiosity & a love for math.
The Pi Math School - in Northborough, MA
We offer a variety of math classes custom built for individual students and small groups of students in all our K-12 programs.
First School of Mathematics - in Brookline, MA
We offer after-school and weekend tutoring for grades 1-12, focusing on math, science, and SAT prep to help students succeed.
MathAltitude School of Mathematics - in Worcester, MA
We offer math classes and tutoring for Pre-K through high school, using effective Russian/European methods.
Cambridge Math Circle - in Cambridge, MA
We provide math enrichment to K-8 students in Greater Boston, focusing on underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
Russian School of Mathematics - multiple locations including Brookline, MA
Whether our students need to shine on rigorous high school courses or college resumes, our math program prepares them to succeed.
New England Conservatory
We offer flexible music education! Your child can join a class, ensemble, or training program at their own pace to fit their needs.
Greater Massachusetts Special Needs Events
Events for families with special needs in Greater Massachusetts, including conferences, workshops, speaker events, and other programs.
Jewish Community Center Adaptive Swim Lessons and Other Opportunities
JCC Greater Boston fosters belonging with inclusive programs. Accessible classes, performances, & events bring together our community.
Boston Peers
We provide evidence-based social skills training with weekly sessions, role-play, coaching, and socialization homework.
Boston Public Library Teen Programs - in multiple locations
The Boston Public library hosts year-round events to educate and inspire curiosity.
The Flagship Clubhouse - The Museum of Science - in Roxbury, MA
The Clubhouse Learning Model empowers youth to become capable, creative, & confident learners, grounded in youth development research.
Upward Bound
Upward Bound is a program that provides academic support to low-income and first-generation college bound students.
Mass Audubon - in Lincoln, MA
Mass Audubon offers teen programs like Youth Climate Leadership, conservation clubs, adventure trips, & internships.
YES - Programs for Boston Youth
Outdoor Adventure offers youth activities like kayaking, rock climbing, & mountain biking. Also overnight adventures!
Einstein's Workshop
A family-friendly maker space where kids create, explore, and enjoy STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
NUTRONS FIRST Robotics - Northeastern
A FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team based at Northeastern University with the goal of inspiring students to pursue STEM fields.
New England Sci-Tech
A non-profit STEM education center dedicated to project-based, hands-on learning for youth & families.
Centre Street Food Pantry
Help with food pickup, packing, distribution, cleanup, client check-in, & translation (Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, or Russian).
Cradles to Crayons
Our volunteers sort and inspect the donated items we receive and then package them for delivery to the children who need them.
Steppingstone - Volunteering
Volunteer by tutoring, offering career guidance, hosting events, or joining our Board of Ambassadors or Young Professionals.
Brookline Food Pantry - in Brookline, MA
Volunteer opportunities at Brookline Food Pantry include food transport, packing, delivery, table service, and truck unloading.
Cambridge Women's Center - in Cambridge, MA
Volunteers offer support, maintain a welcoming environment, assist with various tasks, provide emotional support, & manage conflicts.
Community Servings - in Jamaica Plain, MA
Come support the community through volunteering, social events, & fundraisers on food and nutrition.
826 Boston - After School Writing and Tutoring Program - in Roxbury, MA
Students work one-on-one with trained tutors to complete homework, read aloud, & embark on publishing their writing.
A Plus Program - Writing Workshops
We are proud to offer writing workshops for students in Boston, MA, and the surrounding areas.
Boston Anthenaeum - Events & Programs
We are a member-supported library, museum, & cultural center with rare books, art, & events, open to all.
BPL - Parker Hill Writing Group - in Roxbury, MA
Join us for a monthly gathering of writers dedicated to honing their craft, exploring new ideas, & sharing their works in progress.
Mass Poetry
We provide a weekly writing & performance workshop series for teens led by Mass Poetry’s Poetry Coalition Fellow Anthony Febo.
Write Boston - Teens in Print After School Program
Students who join our program connect with peers from across Boston, learn about writing & media, & publish writing on our website.
Fine Arts Work Center - in Provincetown, MA
We are an artist-led organization that supports artistic freedom & nurtures creative connections with a wide variety of events.
Performing Arts Workshops: Online After School Acting
Online classes covering improv, speech/dialects, theater games, acting techniques, and acting for the camera.
The Barrow Group Online Performing Arts Classes
Online acting classes for youth in acting, musical theatre, monologues, and film/TV, taught by award-winning professionals.
Interlochen Online Music and Arts Programs for Teens
Offers online courses in music performance, composition, and other arts, designed for middle and high school students.
InterHarmony International School of Music Online
Provides year-round online classical music training, including private lessons, masterclasses, and recitals with renowned faculty.
e-Buddies by Best Buddies International
Safe online friendships between people with and without disabilities, promoting inclusion and building technology and social skills.
Connections Academy
An online public school offering flexible learning environments that can be tailored to meet the needs of neurodivergent students.
RoboBlockly
A web-based robot simulator that teaches coding and math through a puzzle-piece interface, aligned with Common Core State Standards.
REC Foundation
Offers VEX robotics programs, delivering accessible and scalable robotics education.
Botball Educational Robotics Program
Engages students in team-oriented robotics competitions, focusing on designing, building, and programming autonomous robots.
PBS Learning Media
Explore free world history resources for grades 9-12 on PBS LearningMedia, covering key events, cultures, & global perspectives.
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History: Courses
Discover courses & resources on American history from the Gilder Lehrman Institute, perfect for students & history enthusiasts.
Berlitz: Language Classes for Kids and Teens
Our language classes keep kids engaged & build confidence speaking a new language, while introducing them to new cultures.
FluentU
With FluentU, learn with any Netflix or YouTube video that has subtitles in the target language you're learning.
LanguageBird
Our online courses are accredited, personalized, & flexible. You can learn, retain, & earn school credit in a new language.
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone taps into your brain's innate ability to learn new languages so you feel comfortable with everyday communication.
HiTOPS
HiTOPS groups create a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to meet, socialize, & offer & provide support.
Online LGBTQ Classes for Kids and Teens - Outschool
Explore LGBTQ+ classes on Outschool, offering inclusive, engaging courses that empower youth to learn & connect with their identities.
ALEKS
ALEKS is a research-based, online learning program that offers course products for Math, Chemistry, Statistics, & more.
Art of Problem Solving
Our books, classes, & online resources help students become creative, successful problem solvers.
IXL
Enhance your skills with IXL, offering personalized learning in math, language arts, & science to help students of all ages succeed.
Khan Academy
Master math at your own pace with our free lessons from basic arithmetic to advanced math for learners of all ages.
Standford Pre-Collegiate Studies - Math Circle
The Stanford Math Circle offers quarter-long sessions for elementary, middle, & high school students interested in math.
Autism Society Online Art & Creative Expression Programs
Discover the Autism Society, offering support, advocacy, & resources to improve the lives of individuals with autism & their families.
Autism Speaks Online Workshops & Webinars
Explore online workshops & webinars hosted by Autism Speaks, providing community support & raising awareness about autism.
Base Camp: Sustainability Online
Dig into the past, dive into computers, create songs, & more with our various workshops!
CornellLab: Bird Academy
Learn about birds through expert-led courses on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's All About Birds Academy.
Project Learning Tree
Our Nature Activities for Families introduce children to nature & their environment.
The Nature Conservancy: Nature Connects Webinars & Virtual Field Trips
Hear from our leading scientists & environmental experts about tackling climate change, & providing food & water sustainably.
Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research
We offer hands-on experiences in biology, medicine, & research to inspire the next generation of scientists.
FIRST Robotics Virtual Events and Challenges
A global robotics community preparing young people for the future.
Tynker Robotics and Coding Camps
Tynker is the fun way to learn programming & develop problem-solving & critical thinking skills.
VEX Robotics Online Challenges
Explore VEX Robotics, where students of all ages can build, program, & compete in robotics challenges.
Citizen Scientist
Volunteers actively participating in scientific research by collecting & analyzing data or engaging in experiments.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Internship Programs
Explore NOAA’s student opportunities, offering a range of internships & scholarships to pursue a career in environmental science.
Student Conservation Association
Join us in building the next generation of conservation leaders.
LibriVox
LibriVox volunteers read & record chapters of books in the public domain & make them available for free on the Internet.
Meaningful Teens
Explore Meaningful Teens' programs, offering teens opportunities to engage in leadership, service, & personal development.
Zooniverse
Join Zooniverse, the world’s largest platform for people-powered research, where volunteers help drive real discoveries.
NaNoWriMo's Young Writers Program
Aspiring teen authors can set goals, track progress, & write their own novel during National Novel Writing Month!
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
We celebrate creative teens by providing opportunities to showcase their work in art, writing, & more.
Workshops - Lighthouse Writers
Online creative writing workshops, led by expert instructors. Hone your craft and connect with fellow writers.
Boston Public Schools (BPS) Middle School Athletics Program
Middle school athletics program lets students join basketball, track, and volleyball, building athletic skills, teamwork, and pride.
Viking Sports After-School Programs
Offers fun, active after-school programs like soccer, basketball, Zumba, and more to help kids stay active and build social skills.
Boston Parks and Recreation Department (BPRD) Free Sports Clinics
The central hub for everything Youth Sports in Boston. Our mission is to bring the city together through sports.
SquashBusters
SquashBusters empowers under-served youth as students, athletes, and citizens to help them recognize and achieve their full potential.
The BASE
Year-round baseball, basketball, and softball training and games that promote hard work and a culture of success among youth.
One Love Sports
Accessible sports programs empowering Boston youth through athletics and academics, building confidence, skills, and sportsmanship.
Bay State Games
Olympic-style competition for amateur athletes in Massachusetts, with summer & winter games promoting growth, education, and fitness.
BalletRox
Provides structured, multi-year dance programs focusing on ballet and other dance forms, aiming to empower Boston youth through dance.
Urbanity Dance
Offers contemporary dance classes and youth programs focusing on technique, creativity, and performance skills.
All That Jazz Newton Dance Studio
All That Jazz Dance Studio in Newton offers fun, inclusive dance classes for all ages and levels, from toddlers to advanced teens.
José Mateo Ballet Theatre
Provides ballet training with a focus on developing strong technique and artistic expression.
Brookline Ballet School
Provides ballet training focusing on technique, artistry, and performance opportunities.
Community Boat Building
Students apply classroom skills in math, engineering, and teamwork to build wooden rowboats and explore marine science.
SeaPerch Program
Educational program where students build underwater ROVs, gaining hands-on experience in naval architecture and marine engineering.
Massachusetts Afterschool Partnership STEM Programs
Offers a list of after-school and summer programs, internships, and jobs to expand youth access to and interest in STEM careers.
Historic New England's School and Youth Programs
Engaging multidisciplinary programs that use historical resources to enrich student learning, with many options available virtually.
Museum of African American History Educational Programs
Uses historic sites and collections to link colonial and early African American history to broader human rights themes.
Allegro Music School - in Natick, MA and Arlington, MA
Our school offers private and group lesson for instrumental instruction in piano, violin, cello, harp, guitar and voice. We also offer Introduction to Music, Introduction to Piano, Suzuki Violin, Music Theory and Chorus Classes.
Boston School of Music Arts
We offer lessons, bands and ensembles, and summer programs.
Berklee City Music High School Academy
We offer students theory, master classes, and ensemble classes after school.
Brookline Music School - in Brookline, MA
We offer private music lessons, ensembles, and dance including ballet, creative dance, and boys dance
Concord Conservatory of Music - in Concord, MA
We offer private music lessons including banjo and ukulele, chamber ensembles, composition, a string orchestra, rock lab , and chorus.
North End Music and Performing Arts Center
Our center offers private lessons and classes in music, dancing, movement, theatre arts, and a teen internship program.
Rivers School Conservatory - in Weston, MA
The conservatory offers private music lessons, theory and composition, and a chamber music lab
School of Rock - in Boston suburbs and New Hampshire
We offer private lessons, group rehearsals, and summer workshops for guitar, bass guitar, percussion, vocals, keyboard, and piano
Tufts University Community Music Classes - in Medford, MA
Tufts offers Saturday classes for a range of instruments, vocals including a cappella, and the Tufts Youth Philharmonic
Land's Sake After School Programs
Students build community, gain farm and forestry skills, connect with nature, and take home fresh vegetables.
Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School
Offers hands-on learning and outdoor adventures to empower youth from under-resourced communities through experiential education.
Dana Hall School of Music - in Wellelsey, MA
The school of music offers private lessons, chamber, cello, rock and contemporary ensembles and groups
