Mojza Blog

The Best Extracurricular Opportunities for Students

by Muneeb Ahmad | 21 JUL 2024

As a student myself, I can relate to the constant frustration and anxiety surrounding activities and extracurricular opportunities. Time doesn’t stop for anyone, and pretty soon, you may realize, like I did, that others have already achieved much and have two-page long CVs while still in AS. Many schools don’t emphasize extracurriculars as much as they should, so it’s not entirely your fault if you didn’t know their importance.

So after countless hours of research, I decided to compile a comprehensive list of potentially game-changing activities and extracurricular opportunities. I made sure that almost all the opportunities listed here are free or offer financial aid, making them accessible to everyone, regardless of financial status.

This blog isn’t for the faint-hearted, though, but since you decided to read it, I suspect you’re up for the challenge. If you stick with it till the end, I promise you won’t regret it. In fact, you might even be sending prayers my way (which I desperately need). I hope you benefit from this as much as you can, as many of the opportunities listed here aren’t commonly known. 

Community Service:

Should students open their own NGOs or volunteer for existing organizations? There has always been a lot of debate around this topic. Starting your own NGO has its pros and cons. On the positive side, you can showcase it as an independent initiative, which conveys your ability to make a difference by taking matters into your own hands and can be regarded as a leadership role. However, it also raises a number of questions.

There are many NGOs in Pakistan. Why did you establish a new one if there are other NGOs addressing the same problem? What happens to it when you go to college? How much of a difference did you actually make? Did you partner with major organizations or achieve a significant impact, especially if you founded it during your A levels? One could argue that instead of spending your energy and time on establishing your own NGO, it might be more effective to volunteer for organizations that are already well known and are recognized nationally or internationally. This way, you can contribute to established efforts and potentially have a greater impact. Here are some well known NGOs that offer volunteer opportunities in Pakistan:

  1. SOS Villages
  2. TCF Summer School
  3. TCF Baghbaan Ambassador Program
  4. Pakistan Sweet Homes
  5. WWF
  6. Akhuwat Internship Programme

Essay Competitions:

For high schoolers eager to dive into topics they’re passionate about, essay competitions offer a chance to research, articulate, and defend their viewpoints in a competitive environment. Moreover, they are a fantastic opportunity to showcase your interest in a specific field and can add value to one’s profile. As all the competitions are of international standing, participating and winning a competition can boost one’s chances while applying for universities.

 

  1. Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition: There is a Juniors category involving those under the age of 14 and their essay’s word limit is 750 words and also a Seniors category with the age range of 14 to 18 and a word limit of 1500 words. One Winner and Runner up from each category is brought to London for a week; a number of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals along with participation certificates are granted to both categories. There is no entry fee required and applications run from Feb/March to May.
  2. Commonwealth Short Story Prize: Ages 18 and over are allowed to participate. 5 Regional Winners receive £2500 and the Overall Winner receives £5000. The word limit is 2000 to 5000 words, no entry fees, and applications run from September to November.
  3. Bennington College Young Writers Award: No entry fee is required, 9th to 12th graders can participate. 1st place receives $1000, 2nd place receives $500, and 3rd place receives $250. Finalists and Winners are also eligible for undergraduate scholarships and their application runs from September to November.
  4. Ayn Rand Essay Contest: With no entry fee required, the Ayn Rand Essay Contest lets 13 year olds or middle/high schoolers participate. There are three different books on which three different essay contests are held with different deadlines, eligibility criteria, and awards.
  5. Pivotal Essay Contest: Applications run from August to October and the word limit is 1000-2000. It is open to all pre-university and 13 to 19 year old students. There is no entry fee and $25000 is the prize money.
  6. Storytellers of Tomorrow: Its application runs from October to January. High schoolers are eligible to participate. Story Writing category’s word limit is 2000 words whereas the Micro-Roleplaying Games’ word limit is 600 words There is no entry fee, prizes range from $100 to $500 with additional awards, and the Judges’ Award gives you one full-tuition scholarship to Ringling College’s summer Pre-College programme. 
  7. John Locke Essay Competition: No entry fee, application runs from April to June, and the word limit is 2000 words. Junior (14 years old or younger) and Senior (18 years old or younger) categories are both present with different subjects to choose the topic from. The winners for each subject category and Junior category receive $2000, and the best essay overall recipient receives $10000. 
  8. World Historian Essay Competition: It is open for Kindergarten-goers all the way to 12th graders. The word limit is 1000 words, and prize money for this competition is $500 along with a one-year membership in the World History Association and publication of essays in the World History Bulletin. The application deadline is 1st May.
  9. Immerse Essay Competition: Applications run from February-September, no entry fee, and 13- to 18-year old students are eligible. There are more than 15 different subjects to choose a topic from, and the awards include fully/partially funded scholarships to attend the Immerse Summer Programme, which takes place in January, July and August. The word limit is 500 words.
  10. Avernus International Essay Competition: There are 2 categories of Junior (14 to 16 years old) and Senior (17 to 19 years old); the word limit for Juniors and Seniors is 1000 to 1200 and 1300 to 1800 words respectively. Applications run from November to February. The competition is free of cost and different subjects are available to choose a topic from. Winners receive 100% scholarship to attend the Oxford Summer Program in August with the shortlisted entries receiving partial scholarships to Oxford Summer Program or credits for exclusive online courses.
  11. Eon Essay Contest: Open to students aged 13 to 24, the word limit is 1500, and applications are accepted from February to June. There is no entry fee. The winner receives $15,000, second place wins $5,000, and third place wins $2,000.
  12. Harvard International Economics Essay Competition: High school students in grades 9 to 12 are eligible to apply from November to January. The word limit is 1500 words. There is a $20 entry fee, which can be waived if it causes financial hardship. Winning essays will be published online.
  13. Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition: Applications are open from October to March for pre-university students aged 13 to 18. The top 12 global winners will receive prizes ranging from $500 to $1000, an exclusive Harvard Crimson Internship, and a Global Champion Certificate. The word limit is 500 words, and there is a $15 entry fee
  14. Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) Essay Competition: High school, college, and graduate students are eligible to participate. There is no entry fee, and applications are accepted from February to June. Essays should be 6-8 pages in length. Awards range from $250 to $1000, with winning essays eligible for publication and a one-year JASNA membership.
  15. SEALOEarth Global Essay Contest: There are three categories: Youth (ages 9-13), Juniors (ages 14-18), and Seniors (ages 19-25). A noncompetitive category is also available for those aged 26 and above. Word limits are 700-1500 for Youth, and 1000-1800 for Juniors and Seniors. The application deadline is in March. There is no entry fee. The winner receives $200, and the finalist receives $100.
  16. EngineerGirl Writing Contest: The application runs from September to February. There are 3 categories present: Elementary School (Grades 3 to 5), Middle School (Grades 6 to 8) and High School (Grades 9 to 12). The word limit is 800 words for Elementary School, 1000 words for Middle School, and 1200 words for High School. First-place winners will be awarded $1,000, Second-place entries will be awarded $750, and Third-place entries will be awarded $500.
  17. Write The World: A nonprofit organization, founded at Harvard, which aims to develop teenagers’ writing and empower young writers to make a difference. They hold different writing competitions monthly with cash prizes for anyone who signs up.
  18. Fanstory: You can publish poems, scripts, stories, or any writing material and receive feedback on it. Additionally, you will be able to take part in competitions which offer large cash prizes if you subscribe for $13 per month or $99 per year with a guarantee for refund within a week if it isn’t satisfactory.

All-Year Round Programmes:

The opportunities listed below range from summer schools, leadership programs, research programs, fellowships, competitions as well as a few other relevant opportunities. They present unparalleled opportunities for high school students to cultivate their skills, forge meaningful connections, and chart paths towards personal and professional growth. These programs are not just about filling days; they are transformative experiences that immerse participants in dynamic learning environments.

  1. Notre Dame Summer Scholars and Leadership Seminars: These are residential programs held in June and July for high school juniors (O3 or AS level) aged 16 or older. Applications typically open in October and close in February. While application and tuition fee waivers are available, they are highly competitive.
  2. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes: Sessions take place in June and July for high school students in grades 8 through 11. The application deadline is the end of March. This program is online, and financial aid is available for both the application fee and tuition.
  3. Stanford Summer Humanities Institute: Sessions run from June to early August. The application deadline is in February. Eligible students must be in grades 10 or 11 and under 18 years old. The program is residential, and financial aid is available for both the application fee and tuition.
  4. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC): Sessions take place in June and July with an application deadline in February. Both online and residential options are available. Students in grades 10 and 11 are eligible to apply. While all eligible students can apply for the online program, only those under 18 can participate in the residential program. Financial aid for application and tuition fees is available.
  5. Yale Young Global Scholars: High school juniors and seniors (ages 16-18) are eligible to apply. Sessions run from June to early August. Applications open in September and close in November (Early Action) or January (Regular Decision). The program is residential. College counselors can waive the application fee, and partial or full financial aid is available to cover housing, meals, curriculum, and other program costs (excluding travel).
  6. Powerful Youth Global Leadership Program: This two-week leadership program is offered in both Canada and England for Junior (ages 12-14) and Senior (ages 15-18) categories. Multiple sessions run from June to August. Applications close in March. Full or partial financial aid is available to cover program costs, excluding travel.
  7. Summer Program for Applied Rationality and Cognition (SPARC): This two-week program takes place in California in late July and is free of charge. Financial aid is available for travel expenses. Primarily open to high school students, exceptions may be considered. Applications open in January.
  8. European Summer Program on Rationality (ESPR): This 10-day program takes place in Oxford, UK, in August and is free of charge. Scholarships are available to assist with travel costs. Open to individuals aged 16-19. Applications typically close in May.
  9. Program on AI and Reasoning (PAIR): This 10-day in-person camp takes place in Somerset, UK, during July or August and is free of charge. Travel scholarships are available. Open to individuals aged 16-21. Applications typically close around May.
  10. Asian Spring Program on Rationality (ASPR): A 10-day in-person program will take place in Taoyuan, Taiwan, in February. The program is free, and travel scholarships are available. Eligibility is open to individuals aged 16-19. Applications open in July and close in November.
  11. Wandering Applied Rationality Program (WARP): A 10-day in-person program will take place in Oxford, UK, between March and April. The program is free, and travel scholarships are available. Eligibility is open to individuals aged 16-19. Applications close in November.
  12. Summer Science Program (SSP): This residential enrichment program is designed for 10th and 11th graders aged 15-19. Applications are accepted from December to February for programs starting in mid-to-late June. Financial aid is available, but applicants must complete specific prerequisites to be eligible.
  13. Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists (PROMYS): Boston University offers a six-week residential summer mathematics program running from late June to August. Applications open in early January and close in late February or early March. Applicants must have completed 9th grade, be at least 14 years old, and not be enrolled in university. Financial aid for international students is considered on a case-by-case basis.
  14. Alignment Research Engineer Accelerator (ARENA): This program takes place in London, England, from September to October. The application deadline is in July. While there are no strict eligibility criteria, strong coding and mathematical skills are essential. The program is free and will be in-person, although a virtual option is under consideration. Preparatory materials will be provided.
  15. Lumiere Education: Lumiere Research: They offer three online research programs accessible to students in 9th grade and above. Each program provides Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall sessions with varying deadlines. While financial aid is available for one program, a diverse range of research topics and subjects is offered across all three.
  16. Lumiere Education: Junior Explorer Program: This eight-week virtual program is designed for 6th-8th graders. Students can choose from various tracks to develop a high school-level project. Financial aid is available. Currently, Spring and Summer sessions are offered with specific deadlines for each.
  17. LaunchX: Online Innovation: This three-week online program is designed for high school students. Taking place in July and August, it challenges participants to solve real-world business problems. Financial aid is available.
  18. LaunchX: Online Entrepreneurship: This five-week online program empowers high school students to launch their own businesses. Sessions run from June to July. Financial aid is available to support participants.
  19. Veritas AI: AI Scholars Program: This online program is designed for students in grades 9-12 with no prior coding experience. Participants will collaborate on group projects in multiple sessions with flexible deadlines. Choose between a 10-week weekend or 2-week weekday format. Financial aid is available.
  20. Veritas AI: AI Fellowship: This online program is designed for students in grades 9-12 with prior coding experience. Participants will work on individual projects over a 12-15 week period. Multiple program sessions are available with varying deadlines. Financial aid is offered.
  21. Veritas AI: AI Accelerator: This extensive 30-week online program is designed for coding-proficient high school students. Participants will conduct independent AI research culminating in a research paper. Multiple program start dates are available, and financial aid is offered.
  22. Veritas AI: Deep Dives (AI+Finance or AI+Medicine): This 10-week online program is designed for students in grades 8-12 with coding experience. Participants will collaborate on group projects. Multiple program start dates are available, and financial aid is offered.
  23. Veritas AI: AI Trailblazers: This 10-week online program is designed for students in grades 6-8. No prior coding experience is necessary. Participants will collaborate on group projects. Choose between a 10-week weekend or 2-week weekday format. Multiple program start dates and financial aid options are available.
  24. Veritas AI: AI Junior Fellowship: This 12-week online program is designed for students in grades 6-8 with existing coding skills. Participants will work on individual projects. Multiple program start dates and financial aid options are available.
  25. Non-Trivial Fellowship: This free online program is open to pre-university students aged 14-20. Participants will undertake research or entrepreneurial projects. The program runs from October to December with an application deadline in August. All accepted applicants receive a $500 stipend, and up to $30,000 in funding is available for projects. Multiple program sessions may be offered.
  26. The Knowledge Society (TKS): This 10-month global innovation program runs from September to June for high school students aged 13-17. Combining virtual and in-person components (with specific locations), the program fosters creativity and problem-solving. Financial aid is available.
  27. Ladder Internship: This program offers three distinct online internship and research programs for high school students. Each program features multiple start dates and deadlines. Participants can explore a wide range of subjects and topics. While financial aid is available for one program, all three provide valuable hands-on experience.
  28. Veritas AI: National High School Data Science Competition: Open to grades 8-12, this free virtual competition runs from December to January. The winner receives free enrollment in the Veritas AI Scholars or Deep Dive Programs, while 2nd and 3rd place winners receive $1000 and $750 discounts, respectively, on any Veritas AI program.
  29. Wharton Global High School Competition: Open to students in grades 9-12, teams of 4-7 students from the same school can apply between June and September to compete from late September to early December. An advisor must register the team. There is no entry fee.
  30. International Youth Math Competition (IYMC): Open to high school students (under 18) and university students (over 18), this virtual competition consists of three rounds with deadlines in September, October, and November. A fee of 8 euros is required for the second round. Winners can receive up to $150 USD.
  31. Stem Careers Program: The Pakistan STEM Talent Contest, a joint venture of HEC and PIEAS, selects high-achieving first-year FSc/A-level students under 20 to represent Pakistan in international science olympiads for Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics. Participants undergo a competitive process including registration, screening tests, and training camps to form the final teams.
  32. Where There Be Dragons: This initiative offers immersive travel programs to destinations worldwide, running year-round with a focus on summer experiences. No specific eligibility requirements exist, and financial aid is available. Application deadlines vary by program, with most operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
  33. YES Program: This fully funded exchange program offers Pakistani high school students in grades 9 or 10 a chance to spend a year living with a host family and attending school in the US. Applicants must be between 15 and 17 years old by August and have never visited the US before. The program includes a rigorous application process with interviews, activities, and a language test. Applications are due in October.
  34. TechGirls: This fully funded, four-week STEM summer exchange program in the US offers 15-17-year-olds mentorship and hands-on experience. Participants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including a restriction on previous US travel within the past three years. The program concludes with a seven-month mentorship phase. Applications are due in December.
  35. Chezuba: They offer a variety of free, online opportunities to collaborate with international organizations across diverse fields. These virtual experiences are available year-round and accessible to all.
  36. Catso International Events: This is a platform that organizes a range of competitions and events for students in the domain of arts and creativity and age groups.
  37. Great Future Pakistan: This entity conducts regular olympiads across various fields to identify and further groom the promising students of Pakistan.

Websites/Instagram pages to help find extracurricular opportunities:

Navigating the realm of extracurricular opportunities can be daunting. Websites and Instagram pages dedicated to curating these opportunities provide a gateway to discover internships, volunteer roles, summer programs, and more. If you are a student seeking enriching activities to bolster your college applications or to expand your skill set, these pages offer a plethora of resources to explore.

  1. TeenLife
  2. Teen Ink
  3. RoundPier
  4. The Forage
  5. Indeed
  6. @lsu_leadershipforsocialuplift
  7. @opportunities4students
  8. @eureka_pk
  9. @theuraaninitiative


Did you think I’d end just yet? Here is a preview into the bonus section of this blog: resources for career counseling and college applications!

Instagram pages which provide guidance regarding university applications: 

Intricacies of university applications can often feel overwhelming. Thankfully, Instagram pages dedicated to guiding prospective students through this journey serve as invaluable resources. From decoding application requirements to offering tips on crafting compelling personal statements, these pages provide expert advice.

  1. @crimsoneducation
  2. @admitium
  3. @nextadmit
  4. @ultimateivyleagueguide
  5. @limmytalks
  6. @studyforyoubestie
  7. @talhaijaz
  8. @mahadthementor
  9. @standout.search
  10. @theuraaninitiative
  11. @mojzaorg

 

Sports Scholarship

I bring good news for the sports enthusiasts. There are scholarships available on the basis of sports which help in securing admissions at top universities. However, such scholarships are highly competitive and entail a challenging procedure, which is why I could only find one name mentioned below that looked authentic, reliable and had received positive feedback with a lot of evidence.

D1 Scholarship

Furthermore, there is a team of professionals that helps high schoolers secure admissions and scholarships in universities on the basis of sports. Financial aid may or may not be available since details are given on direct contact with their team. 

The Instagram page is @d1scholarship.

Counseling

Career counseling is one of the most vital resource in achieving one’s goal of attending a dream university. However, if you are in A levels, you would know that the counselor(s) present in the schools have to accommodate a vast majority of students, which results in a lot of them being neglected and not receiving the desired attention. Furthermore, not everyone is able to afford different counseling agencies present nowadays, however beneficial they seem. Thus, Kollegio comes into the picture.

Kollegio: Your own personal College Admissions Counselor which is 100% AI technology and exists to cater students in every aspect of the college admissions process. From building your perfect college list to modifying your essays and activities list, Kollegio has it all. Since it’s a relatively new project, it’s constantly being updated to remove minor bugs and make it more user-friendly. Wanna know the best thing about it? It’s completely free.

The Instagram page is @kollegio.ai.

… and that’s it folks! We have come a long way and I hope it was worth your time and effort. Some of the details for opportunities here are tentative so they may change in the upcoming years. If anyone wishes to access more extracurricular activities, we’ve discussed them in one of our previous blogs! An important note to keep in mind, however, is that it’s ALWAYS beneficial to subscribe/sign up to newsletters of different organization’s websites which are of interest since they update you on potential events or competitions. Lastly, extracurricular opportunities aren’t just about filling your CV, but also about discovering your passions, strengths and aspirations. So, embrace the chances that come your way, get involved, challenge yourself and make a difference. Life is too short, so make the most of it!

Acknowledgements

Author: Muneeb Ahmad
Proofreaders:Shaheer Ali & Hamna Zahid

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Published: 21 July 2024
Last Updated: 21 July 2024
Written by Muneeb Ahmad