Opportunity Guide I Summer, Enrichment & Activities Guide

For a child interested in discovering more about the STEM subject areas - science, technology, engineering and math - there are numerous school-based, out-of-school and summer enrichment programs where she can build skills and have fun. From joining a math circle to competing in math competitions, there are many math-based extracurricular activities to discover and enjoy. If your child is tech-minded and loves figuring out how things work, look for engineering, robotics, and computer classes to engage her imagination. If her interest is in the laboratory sciences, there are many unique, hands-on after school science programs themed around particular areas of science that often include hands-on lab experiences. A child who is passionate about and excels in any of the STEM subject areas will find increasingly rigorous and selective opportunities available to her.

Does your child long for summer so that he can run a lemonade stand? Does he want to create a new cryptocurrency for his school? If business is in your child’s blood, plenty of meaningful business opportunities await him. Start at school: many schools offer business courses or have business-related clubs. At the high school level, nationally-recognized business associations offer a wide variety of exciting learning activities and competition opportunities. A child can also gain insight and excellent business experience by taking a business position (e.g. business/finance manager or team manager) in a school club or sports team. If school-based courses or clubs are hard to come by, check out your local community college for opportunities or encourage him to start a club to create his own.

Outside of school, check out university and/or community college summer business courses like finance, marketing or entrepreneurship. Encourage your child to get a paying job or to apply for an internship/volunteer job at a local company or nonprofit. If your child is a member of an extramural club such as Boy Scouts or a private swim team, volunteering for a business or management role in the club is also a good way to get hands-on, real-life business experience. Finally, with so many online resources available to run and promote a home-based business, a child with a special interest can flex their entrepreneurial muscles by offering babysitting services, handmade jewelry, website design or other product or service.