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What are some good passion project ideas that combine my interests: coding, chess, dance, and volunteering with neurodiverse communities? Passion project based only activities in high school?
Hi! I’m a high school student looking to start a passion project that aligns with my interests in coding (html, css, js, AI/ML) i wanted to take major as Com sci, chess, dance, and volunteering with neurodiverse kids in NGO. I want to make a meaningful impact and ideally build something that helps others or showcases creativity. I’d love suggestions on projects that combine any of these areas, especially those I could grow over time or possibly turn into a passion project. Thank you!
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9 answers
Updated
Jesenia’s Answer
Hi Udaya,
WeEmbrace is a non profit organization that specializes in activism within the neurodiverse community. There are many different ways to get involved and fulfill passion projects. Please visit their website for more information. https://www.weembracefamilies.org/
WeEmbrace is a non profit organization that specializes in activism within the neurodiverse community. There are many different ways to get involved and fulfill passion projects. Please visit their website for more information. https://www.weembracefamilies.org/
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Udaya
Updated
David’s Answer
Combining your interests in coding, chess, dance, and volunteering with neurodiverse communities offers a unique and powerful foundation for a high school passion project. One compelling idea is to develop a chess learning app or website tailored for neurodiverse students. You could use your coding skills to build interactive, sensory-friendly interfaces with features like adjustable visual settings, simplified rule explanations, and gamified learning. Partnering with local schools or community centers could help test the platform with real users and gather feedback, making your project both impactful and grounded in real-world needs.
Another exciting avenue is to create a dance-based coding workshop or curriculum for neurodiverse youth. This project could involve designing sessions where coding concepts are taught through physical movement or rhythm (e.g., using tools like Scratch or visual block-based coding). You could choreograph activities that represent loops, conditionals, or sequences through dance, helping students grasp abstract logic in a more embodied way. Hosting these workshops at local nonprofits or schools would blend your interests and give back meaningfully to the community.
Lastly, you could organize a high school club or event series that combines all four interests, such as a weekly “Mind & Motion” program that includes chess games, simple coding projects, movement breaks led through dance, and inclusive social activities. This holistic environment could serve as a safe, fun space for neurodiverse students to explore new skills while connecting with peers. Documenting your journey through blogs, videos, or even a capstone presentation could highlight your leadership and interdisciplinary thinking—perfect for college applications or future opportunities.
Another exciting avenue is to create a dance-based coding workshop or curriculum for neurodiverse youth. This project could involve designing sessions where coding concepts are taught through physical movement or rhythm (e.g., using tools like Scratch or visual block-based coding). You could choreograph activities that represent loops, conditionals, or sequences through dance, helping students grasp abstract logic in a more embodied way. Hosting these workshops at local nonprofits or schools would blend your interests and give back meaningfully to the community.
Lastly, you could organize a high school club or event series that combines all four interests, such as a weekly “Mind & Motion” program that includes chess games, simple coding projects, movement breaks led through dance, and inclusive social activities. This holistic environment could serve as a safe, fun space for neurodiverse students to explore new skills while connecting with peers. Documenting your journey through blogs, videos, or even a capstone presentation could highlight your leadership and interdisciplinary thinking—perfect for college applications or future opportunities.
Your advice was so helpful!
Udaya
Updated
Heather’s Answer
https://thendalliance.org/
Parent2Parent will also have some resources for you. I think it's great you are looking for projects that reach neurodivergent children. As a parent of an autistic child, I can tell you we are always in need of volunteers for our programs.
I think you could create a class that teaches child how to play chess. You can get in touch with some of the local schools to offer a basics in chess class. How wonderful would that be?
How about creating an html site to track sign up and interest as well as where your classes will be located? You could check with some of the community centers and churches for places to hold your classes and support. What about an online chess club? You could also have a sign up for that too.
Many community centers offer dance classes. You could engage some of the teachers to possibly volunteer their time once a month for a dance class offered to neurodivergent children and adults.
I volunteered with equine societies and helped as a lead for the horses and side walker for the children. You will find a large group of people at those classes offered for disabled children. Parent2Parent is a parent resource for different states and can help you will getting the word out there about your classes and find your participants or possible locations they use for their classes.
The world is wide open to you. You have the lead for these unique classes and I'm sure you'll find a way to code a program that will help you. Good luck to you!! Blessings
Parent2Parent will also have some resources for you. I think it's great you are looking for projects that reach neurodivergent children. As a parent of an autistic child, I can tell you we are always in need of volunteers for our programs.
I think you could create a class that teaches child how to play chess. You can get in touch with some of the local schools to offer a basics in chess class. How wonderful would that be?
How about creating an html site to track sign up and interest as well as where your classes will be located? You could check with some of the community centers and churches for places to hold your classes and support. What about an online chess club? You could also have a sign up for that too.
Many community centers offer dance classes. You could engage some of the teachers to possibly volunteer their time once a month for a dance class offered to neurodivergent children and adults.
I volunteered with equine societies and helped as a lead for the horses and side walker for the children. You will find a large group of people at those classes offered for disabled children. Parent2Parent is a parent resource for different states and can help you will getting the word out there about your classes and find your participants or possible locations they use for their classes.
The world is wide open to you. You have the lead for these unique classes and I'm sure you'll find a way to code a program that will help you. Good luck to you!! Blessings
Thanks for the help.
Udaya
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
You can create a powerful high school passion project by combining your interests in coding, chess, dance, and volunteering with neurodiverse communities. Ideas include:
1. "NeuroChess", an interactive chess learning tool for neurodiverse students;
2. "Code in Motion", workshops teaching coding through dance;
3. an AI-powered emotional assistant to help kids express their feelings;
4. a volunteer-run club or camp mixing dance, chess, and coding activities; and
5. a storytelling portfolio site that showcases your impact and creativity.
These projects let you apply your skills meaningfully, help others, and build something unique over time.
1. "NeuroChess", an interactive chess learning tool for neurodiverse students;
2. "Code in Motion", workshops teaching coding through dance;
3. an AI-powered emotional assistant to help kids express their feelings;
4. a volunteer-run club or camp mixing dance, chess, and coding activities; and
5. a storytelling portfolio site that showcases your impact and creativity.
These projects let you apply your skills meaningfully, help others, and build something unique over time.
I appreciate your support, Stephanie
Udaya
Updated
Carl’s Answer
Hi Udaya. This is a wonderful chance to merge your passion with activities that support neurodiverse communities. You could create an app to teach chess with settings that cater to different learning styles, like a "sensory-friendly" mode, and try it out by volunteering with students. Another idea is to develop an online "chess dance" tool where movements are choreographed based on chess pieces, or create a real-life "Movement Chess" game where players act out the moves. You might also design an app that guides movement for sensory regulation or a story game where chess moves lead to dance prompts. Always remember to involve the neurodiverse community and get their feedback.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Udaya
Updated
Mario’s Answer
Hi Udaya,
What an inspiring commitment to society! We truly need more individuals like you who strive to combine personal growth with professional development. Thank you for speaking up and setting such an incredible example.
Across the Globe, we have a wealth of Children-focused NGOs that provide opportunities for high school students to engage meaningfully with communities while gaining professional exposure. I encourage you to explore the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [here](https://sdgs.un.org/goals\), which outline 17 Global Goals aimed at creating a better future for all.
Thank you once again for your dedication and for stepping up as a change agent. Your efforts are sure to inspire others to follow in your footsteps.
Warm regards,
Mario R.
What an inspiring commitment to society! We truly need more individuals like you who strive to combine personal growth with professional development. Thank you for speaking up and setting such an incredible example.
Across the Globe, we have a wealth of Children-focused NGOs that provide opportunities for high school students to engage meaningfully with communities while gaining professional exposure. I encourage you to explore the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [here](https://sdgs.un.org/goals\), which outline 17 Global Goals aimed at creating a better future for all.
Thank you once again for your dedication and for stepping up as a change agent. Your efforts are sure to inspire others to follow in your footsteps.
Warm regards,
Mario R.
Thanks for the advice.
Udaya
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
Hi Udaya,
How fun! Maybe there is a camp for neurodivergent folks you could get involved in. You could offer classes in coding , dance, or chess. An ambitious (but I think feasible) idea would be to start your own camp if you like working with neurodivergent children. You could also talk to your community recreation center about offering classes in the areas you’re interested in. Advertise that your classes have been adapted to the needs of neurodivergent people. Perhaps parter with occupational therapists or other professionals working with your desired population.
Let us know what you end up doing!
Courtney
How fun! Maybe there is a camp for neurodivergent folks you could get involved in. You could offer classes in coding , dance, or chess. An ambitious (but I think feasible) idea would be to start your own camp if you like working with neurodivergent children. You could also talk to your community recreation center about offering classes in the areas you’re interested in. Advertise that your classes have been adapted to the needs of neurodivergent people. Perhaps parter with occupational therapists or other professionals working with your desired population.
Let us know what you end up doing!
Courtney
Thank you, Courtney!
Udaya
Updated
Kyla’s Answer
Heyyy! First of all, LOVE how unique your mix of interests are...coding, chess, dance, and working with neurodiverse communities!!! Such an interesting combo and so much to do!
One idea that comes to mind is creating a simple, sensory-friendly website or app that helps teach either chess or dance to neurodiverse kids. You could use your html/css/js skills to build something interactive and fun like breaking down dance moves into step-by-step animations or designing chess lessons with visual and audio cues tailored to different learning styles.
Maybe consider starting a local or virtual program where you combine dance and chess as a fun brain-body activity for the kids, especially now that it is summer, kids really crave something to do. You could run sessions at a community center or organization you already volunteer with, and then create a website or blog where you can share what you're doing, reflect on the experience (whether it's your own or the participants), and maybe still consider posting tutorials or videos. This would definitely make for a cool portfolio piece that will stand out and it's something that you could carry-on long-term.
One idea that comes to mind is creating a simple, sensory-friendly website or app that helps teach either chess or dance to neurodiverse kids. You could use your html/css/js skills to build something interactive and fun like breaking down dance moves into step-by-step animations or designing chess lessons with visual and audio cues tailored to different learning styles.
Maybe consider starting a local or virtual program where you combine dance and chess as a fun brain-body activity for the kids, especially now that it is summer, kids really crave something to do. You could run sessions at a community center or organization you already volunteer with, and then create a website or blog where you can share what you're doing, reflect on the experience (whether it's your own or the participants), and maybe still consider posting tutorials or videos. This would definitely make for a cool portfolio piece that will stand out and it's something that you could carry-on long-term.
Thank you so much, Kyla!
Udaya
Updated
Donald’s Answer
David has already given a great answer, and I completely agree with him. Chess is a wonderful game that connects people through a large community of enthusiasts. Creating tools and resources for everyone to learn and enjoy chess is a fantastic goal.
As for dancing, I’m not the best dancer myself, but I’m sure whatever you create will be helpful. Games like Dance Dance Revolution offer some fun ideas you might consider.
Even if your projects aren't directly related to chess or dancing, building an inclusive community that offers resources and activities can be a great way to combine your interests and help others.
As for dancing, I’m not the best dancer myself, but I’m sure whatever you create will be helpful. Games like Dance Dance Revolution offer some fun ideas you might consider.
Even if your projects aren't directly related to chess or dancing, building an inclusive community that offers resources and activities can be a great way to combine your interests and help others.