Unlocking Potential: 5 Summer Activities to Boost High School Success and Beyond

By: Laura Massey, Student Career Coaching, Manager

K12 Powered Schools (On behalf of Idaho Technical Career Academy)

High school is a thrilling yet challenging time when students start focusing on their future success. However, the effort to achieve that success doesn’t stop during the summer. By extending this focus through the summer break with enriching activities, students will learn more about themselves and gain a competitive edge that can shape their lives. Here are a few ways your student can use this summer to gain skills, experiences and insights they need to lay a solid foundation for post-secondary education and the career to come.

1. Master Employable Skills: Communication, Collaboration, Self-Advocacy, Resiliency

Taking on a summer job or volunteer role helps students develop essential soft skills, which are invaluable in today’s job market. Excelling in communication opens doors to effective leadership and stronger relationships, while collaboration teaches the art of essential teamwork in virtually every career. Learning to cope with challenges and self-advocating are crucial life skills that empower students to navigate academic and personal hurdles. These skills foster adaptability and resilience—qualities highly sought after by employers.

2. Discover Personal Passions: Explore Beyond the Classroom

Summer offers the perfect opportunity to step outside the regular school routine and explore interests in real-world settings. The classroom offers critical foundational knowledge, but discovering what we love (or don’t) requires stepping out there. Engaging in internships, volunteering or joining clubs that align with personal interests can clarify career aspirations and provide a better understanding of how professional environments operate. Passion fuels purpose that leads to a fulfilling career.

3. Craft a Stellar Resume: Showcase Engagement and Accomplishments

Participation in summer jobs and volunteer projects makes resumes stand out and a compelling resume is the first handshake with potential colleges and employers. Highlighting school involvement — sports, clubs, student government — shows that students are proactive and dedicated. Also, any external engagements like part-time jobs or community service are a near-guaranteed bonus. These experiences broaden skills and demonstrate a commitment to growth and responsibility.

4. Build and Showcase Abilities: Expand Horizons

Using summer breaks to acquire new skills or deepen existing ones helps students become well-rounded candidates for future opportunities. High school is the perfect time to build a diverse skills portfolio. Whether entering a science fair, writing for the school newspaper, or leading a fundraiser, these experiences demonstrate initiative and versatility. They also allow a student to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, making learning more dynamic and applicable. Meanwhile, participation in community classes (in-person or virtual), local charities or businesses with summer internships, specialized clubs or programs or developing a personal project are great ways to sharpen skill sets or learn something new before school is back in session.

5. From Classroom to Real World: Apply Academic Knowledge Practically

Taking a summer job related to a student’s studies can help deepen their understanding and retention of academic concepts, and hands-on experiences are invaluable. They reinforce classroom learning while giving a glimpse into the professional world. Whether it’s a mock stock exchange setup in economics class or a service project in social studies, applying classroom knowledge in real-life scenarios enhances understanding and retention. It prepares students for the complexities of adult life, making the transition from school to the real world smoother.

Set the Stage for Future Success

These high school years will fly by. Encourage your student to view the summer months as an opportunity to set the stage for future success. Developing essential soft skills, exploring personal interests, crafting an impressive resume, broadening abilities and applying additional knowledge will help build a solid foundation for their next chapter. By being intentional this summer and taking charge of their high school experience, they’ll discover their true potential. Discover how ITCA prepares the next generation with its career-focused curriculum that complements industry workforce needs across the state.

Enroll today and take the first step toward a brighter future! here

Laura Massey leads a team of certified career coaches at K12 College & Career Prep schools. With a career spanning 15 years, she has devoted herself to supporting students in their journey through career development and post-secondary planning. Her areas of expertise range from guiding career exploration to crafting impactful resumes and cover letters, with a special focus on addressing the developmental needs of teenagers.