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What extracurriculars would be best and how to start?

Hi, I'm in 9th grade. I'm interested in smart hardware and intelligent automation—building physical systems that use software to interact with the real world. So, I have a few options....

I already do private vocal lessons and karate. I want to develop skills that enable me to participate in clubs such as science fair or doing independent robotics projects at home. I'm also looking out for coding projects, math and science written exams.

I want to decide on 3-5 clubs to continue for a long time so I have a clear trajectory and story around my extracurriculars. Thoughts on which ones might be good and how to start?

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Ken’s Answer

Explore drone experiences by joining clubs and entering competitions. These activities connect you with knowledgeable adults and are less crowded than traditional robotics. Drones are a popular industry and a cost-effective way to learn, offering the same skill-building opportunities and a way to easily showcase your accomplishments for college, you can even use it to film a video entry.
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Fanny’s Answer

Honestly, I think you’re already thinking about this the right way. You don’t need 10 different clubs, you’re better off picking 3–5 things you genuinely enjoy and sticking with them long enough to actually get good at them. Since you’re interested in smart hardware and automation, I’d prioritize robotics, coding, science/engineering projects, and math/science competitions. You could also keep karate or vocal lessons because having something outside STEM is actually a good thing and shows you’re not just doing activities for college applications. I’d start small: join your school’s robotics or science club if they have one, learn some basic Python/Arduino, and build little projects at home like a sensor, automated light, or mini robot. Then, as you get better, enter competitions or science fairs and maybe eventually lead a project or help younger students. The important part isn’t having a perfect list of activities—it’s building a story where you can look back in a few years and say, “I started messing around with robotics in 9th grade, built my own projects, competed, and eventually created something useful.” That’s a pretty awesome trajectory.
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Mitch’s Answer

When it comes to hardware and automation, a good starting spot is to pick up a microcontroller or single-board computer, such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi. These devices are versatile and have a large community of users, making it easier to find tutorials and support. You can start with simple projects like controlling LEDs, motors, or sensors, and gradually move on to more complex automation tasks. Additionally, investing in basic tools like a soldering kit, multimeter, and breadboard will help you prototype and test your circuits effectively.

When it comes to coding, learning a language like Python would pair well with the Arduino/Raspberry PI projects.
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Josep Antonio ’s Answer

Hello Kashi,

Smart tech is all around us, and depending on what kind of hardware you want to work on, there are some great ways to get started.

First, look into FIRST Robotics competitions. They are incredibly hands-on and highly respected in the engineering world. Another great option is to research local companies that use automation or robotics. Many of these places offer free tours where you (and a parent or guardian) can see these high-tech systems running in real life.

Finally, if your school doesn't have a robotics club yet, don't let that stop you! Team up with a teacher to see if you can start one. That kind of self-starting mindset is exactly what will set you apart as you build your career.

Joseph
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Akasha’s Answer

Hi Kashi,
It's great that you're thinking about your extracurriculars early! Since you're interested in smart hardware, robotics, and intelligent automation, I'd focus on activities that align with those interests and build on each other.
I would recommend choosing 3-5 long term activities such as:

*Robotics club (or start your own robotics projects if your school doesn't have one)
* Science Olympiad or Science fair
* Coding club or programming competitions
* Math club or math competitions
* Engineering or STEM clubs (or makerspaces if available)

To get started, begin learning programming (python is a great first language), explore beginner electronics with Arduino or micro, and building small projects that combine coding and hardware. Keep a portfolio of your projects with photos, videos and short descriptions it will be valuable for college applications and future opportunities.

The most important thing is consistency. Sticking with a few activities that genuinely interest you over several years will have a much bigger impact than joining many unrelated clubs.

Best of luck you've already chosen an exciting career path!
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Sindhu’s Answer

Hi Kashi,
I see that you are interested in the Robotics and intelligence automation. You are thinking in the right direction about choosing the extra circular activities that support your growth.
First of all, get a list of what is needed for the things that you want to achieve in the next few years and would write that down and come up with a plan that works with your schedule and studies.
I would suggest you attend as many seminars and science fairs as possible on Robotics and even seminars related to how you can use AI in a mindful way. We can learn a lot just by observing things that different people do and learn from them.
If you have some free time do some certifications on Robotics and Machine Learning. Participate in a team environment where you can learn on how to work in a team and learn from each other interests and mistakes.

Hope this is useful. Have a wonderful journey ahead.
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Sandeep’s Answer

Hello Kashi,

You are already thinking about this the right way. I'd focus on depth over quantity. Instead of joining lots of clubs, pick a few that align with your interests and stick with them.

If you're interested in smart hardware and automation, I'd recommend:

- Robotics (or build projects at home if your school doesn't have a club)
- Science Olympiad or Science Fair
- Programming/Coding Club
- Math Club or math competitions

The best way to start is by building small projects. Get an Arduino or Raspberry Pi kit and make simple things like an automated plant watering system, a line-following robot, or a smart door alarm. Document your projects on GitHub/Bitbucket or a personal website so you can show your progress over time.

Colleges usually value long-term commitment and meaningful achievements more than being in 10 different clubs. If you become really good at a few things and can show growth over several years, that's a strong story to tell.
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Allen’s Answer

Robotics clubs such as FIRST or VEX, working on an projects with an introductory kit for Arduion or Raspberry Pi would be great too. You can follow basic tutorials to program an LED light matrix, a temperature-controlled fan, or a small motorized rover online. Science fairs and STEM competitions are a great way to showcase your skills, and math & science olympiads are a great way to push yourself beyond the classroom. Best of luck!
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John’s Answer

You are already thinking about this the right way, which honestly puts you ahead of most students. The fact that you want a clear story rather than a random pile of clubs is a great approach.
For smart hardware and automation, the highest-value picks are robotics, a coding or computer science club, and science fair since it lets you run the independent projects you already want to do. That already tells a great story, but if you want one or two more, a math team sharpens the problem-solving that hardware work leans on, and a maker or electronics club fits perfectly if one exists.
Check what your school already offers first, then just show up to a meeting, no commitment needed. If a club you want does not exist, you could actually look into starting it yourself, which would be an excellent experience and story for you. A teacher sponsor plus a few interested friends is usually all it takes.
You are on a great track!
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Wong’s Answer

You already have a good foundation with vocal lessons and karate. Since your main interest is smart hardware and intelligent automation, you can choose extracurricular activities that support that goal and stick with them over several years.

I would recommend focusing on robotics, programming, science fairs, math or physics competitions, and an engineering or technology club if your school offers one. These activities complement each other and show a clear interest in engineering and automation.

If possible, look for opportunities to participate in robotics competitions or STEM camps. These experiences help you improve your technical skills, work with a team, and meet people who share your interests.
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