Visualize yourself as a high school student deeply invested in history, literature, philosophy, or cultural studies, and not sure how to express those interests outside of traditional courses. You have done well in your humanities courses, but are looking for some ways to show universities your intellectual curiosity and ability to conduct research. The good news is, high school students passionate about the humanities can choose from many exciting extracurriculars that not only boost their academic profiles but also offer rich opportunities for intellectual discovery.
1. Digital Storytelling with Historical Archives
Digital humanities is the thrilling new landscape where old-fashioned scholarship intersects with the latest technology, presenting high school students with unprecedented possibilities for rethinking the way humans learn and exchange experience. It can allow students to build interactive websites that examine historical occurrences, build virtual museum galleries that restore ancient societies, or develop digital archives to preserve vanishing community tales for generations to come.
Why this creates lasting impact:
Positions you as a 21st-century scholar who bridges traditional humanities with innovative technology
Creates shareable portfolio pieces that demonstrate your work directly to admissions committees
Develops data visualization and digital storytelling skills that modern universities desperately need
Shows initiative in emerging academic fields that institutions are actively developing
Demonstrates ability to make historical content accessible to digital-native audiences
Implementation strategy: Connect with local universities offering digital humanities programs or explore user-friendly platforms like Omeka for creating digital exhibitions. Many institutions host summer workshops where high school students can master essential digital tools and methodologies while working alongside graduate students and faculty members.
2. Community Oral History Projects
Creating oral history projects allows high school students to become guardians of community memory while developing strong research and in-depth interviewing techniques. Students can document the experiences of local immigrants sharing their journey stories, veterans recounting historical moments they witnessed, or longtime residents describing how their neighborhoods have transformed over decades.
Why this creates lasting impact:
Preserves vanishing community voices and stories that might otherwise disappear forever
Develops professional interview techniques used by journalists, researchers, and social workers
Produces original historical documentation that libraries and archives genuinely treasure
Demonstrates commitment to social justice and community engagement that universities value
Builds confidence in approaching strangers and conducting meaningful conversations
Implementation strategy: Partner with local historical societies or senior centers to identify compelling interview subjects with stories worth preserving. Develop structured interview protocols and learn proper recording techniques to ensure high-quality documentation. Consider creating podcasts or digital presentations to share findings with broader audiences through community centers and online platforms.
3. Philosophy Through Art & Writing
Starting or leading literary magazines provides high school students with comprehensive editorial experience while fostering supportive creative writing communities that can outlast your high school years. Students learn manuscript evaluation, publication processes, and literary criticism while championing peer writers and discovering new voices that deserve recognition.
Why this creates lasting impact:
Transforms you from consumer to creator in the literary ecosystem
Develops entrepreneurial skills through managing submissions, marketing, and distribution
Creates a lasting legacy that can continue impacting your school community for years
Builds professional networks with established writers, editors, and literary organizations
Implementation strategy: Establish clear submission guidelines that encourage diverse voices, recruit passionate editorial teams representing different perspectives, and create accessible online platforms for publication. Successful magazines often collaborate with schools, libraries, and writing organizations to expand their reach and create sustainable funding models.
4. Documentary Filmmaking
Philosophy contests such as the Kids Philosophy Slam challenge high school students to dive into the deepest questions of humanity in creative form far beyond the limits of the traditional essay. They can submit reflective essays, argumentative videos, original artwork, or live performances that look at tough questions about what’s right, what life means, and what’s real.
Why this creates lasting impact:
Cultivates intellectual bravery to tackle humanity's most challenging questions
Develops sophisticated argumentation skills that transfer seamlessly to law, politics, and academia
Encourages creative expression through multiple mediums including essays, videos, art, and performance
Demonstrates ability to think abstractly about ethics, meaning, and human existence
Builds confidence in defending complex ideas under scrutiny from judges and peers
Implementation strategy: Research annual competition themes carefully and develop original responses that showcase genuine personal reflection and analytical depth. Successful participants often receive recognition and invitations to participate in advanced philosophical discussions with university professors and professional philosophers.
5. Museum Internships
Creating historical documentaries combines rigorous research skills with multimedia production techniques, appealing to high school students interested in both humanities scholarship and modern technology. Students can explore overlooked local history, investigate social justice issues, or examine cultural phenomena through compelling film narratives that educate and inspire audiences.
Why this creates lasting impact:
Combines visual storytelling mastery with rigorous historical research methodology
Appeals to universities seeking students who can communicate complex ideas to broad audiences
Develops valuable technical skills in filming, editing, sound design, and project management
Creates compelling narratives that can genuinely influence public understanding of historical issues
Implementation strategy: Develop compelling research questions that address contemporary relevance, conduct professional interviews with subject matter experts, and incorporate archival footage to create engaging narratives. Successful documentaries often participate in student film festivals and address how historical events connect to current social issues.
6. Global Policy via Model UN
Model UN programs allow high school students to engage with international relations, diplomacy, and global issues through realistic simulated negotiations that mirror actual United Nations proceedings. Advanced participants can organize conferences, lead specialized committees, or develop innovative programs focusing on specific regional conflicts or thematic challenges like climate change or human rights.
Why this creates lasting impact:
Transforms abstract global issues into concrete diplomatic negotiations requiring real solutions
Builds deep understanding of international law, economics, and cultural differences
Creates valuable opportunities for travel to regional and national conferences
Demonstrates leadership through organizing complex events and mentoring younger students
Shows commitment to global citizenship and peaceful conflict resolution
Implementation strategy: Consider organizing local conferences that bring together multiple schools, mentor younger students to build program sustainability, or specialize in particular committees like UNESCO or World Health Organization. Many successful Model UN participants develop expertise in specific global issues that directly inform their college studies and career choices.
7. Literary Magazine Publishing
Museum internships provide high school students with authentic professional experience in prestigious cultural institutions while supporting vital educational and curatorial programs that serve diverse communities. Leading institutions like the Smithsonian offer comprehensive Young Ambassador Programs that combine intensive learning with meaningful community service opportunities.
Why this creates lasting impact:
Provides exclusive behind-the-scenes access to cultural treasures and expert knowledge
Develops professional relationships with curators, educators, and cultural leaders
Exposes you to diverse career paths in cultural preservation, education, and community engagement
Builds deep appreciation for material culture and historical artifacts
Creates opportunities to work with visiting scholars and world-class special exhibitions
Implementation strategy: Research local and national museum opportunities thoroughly, prepare compelling application materials that highlight relevant interests and demonstrated skills. Many competitive programs require thoughtful essays demonstrating genuine knowledge of museum missions and specific program goals.
8. Creative Writing Competitions
Participating in creative writing competitions allows high school students to develop distinctive literary skills while gaining meaningful recognition for original creative work. Competitions range from local contests celebrating regional voices to prestigious international platforms like the Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose that launch literary careers.
Why this creates lasting impact:
Develops your unique artistic voice and builds genuine creative confidence
Provides objective validation of your literary talents through evaluation by external expert judges
Creates valuable opportunities for publication and broader literary recognition
Builds emotional resilience through constructively handling rejection and criticism
Connects you with established writers who can provide ongoing mentorship and career guidance
Implementation strategy: Research competition themes and submission requirements meticulously, develop polished manuscripts that showcase your unique voice and distinctive perspective. Many competitions offer detailed feedback from professional writers and editors that can accelerate your artistic development.
9. Cultural Ethnography Studies
Conducting ethnographic research on local communities allows high school students to apply professional anthropological methods while exploring the rich cultural diversity that exists in every community. Students can document endangered traditions, interview community leaders about historical changes, or analyze how cultural practices evolve across generations.
Why this creates lasting impact:
Applies rigorous scientific research methods to understand complex human culture and behavior
Develops essential cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural communication skills
Creates meaningful bridges between academic study and real-world community needs
Demonstrates genuine respect for diverse perspectives and lived experiences
Implementation strategy: Learn fundamental ethnographic techniques through online courses or university workshops, develop strong ethical research practices that prioritize community consent and benefit. Consider partnering with university anthropology departments for methodological guidance and mentorship opportunities.
10. University Research Mentorships
Working directly with university professors or professional researchers on independent projects provides high school students with genuine research experience and expert guidance that can transform academic trajectories. These intensive mentorships can lead to publishable research, conference presentations, or recognized academic contributions that demonstrate serious scholarly potential.
Why this creates lasting impact:
Provides authentic apprenticeship experience with accomplished scholars and researchers
Can result in publishable research that appears in respected academic journals
Directly influences your college selection by helping you identify programs and professors aligned with your interests
Demonstrates remarkable self-direction and intellectual maturity that universities highly value
Implementation strategy: Identify faculty members whose research genuinely aligns with your interests, prepare thoughtful inquiry letters that demonstrate authentic intellectual engagement and specific knowledge of their work. Successful mentorships often continue throughout high school and significantly influence college selection and long-term career planning.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
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