Clubs and volunteering
Civil engineer: these ideas suit all engineering careers. Pick a career below to see other ideas.
What colleges actually look for
- Depth, not a long list. Two or three activities over several years mean more than ten short ones.
- Growing responsibility. Leading, organizing, teaching, or starting something.
- Real impact. What changed because your child was there.
No single club guarantees admission.
Read the guide: what US colleges look for →Clubs to look for at school
- FIRST or VEX Robotics teamCompetitionDesign, build, and test robots as a team.
- Technology Student Association (TSA)(official website)ClubEngineering and tech design competitions.
- Science Olympiad(official website)CompetitionBuilding events like bridges and towers.
- Math teamCompetitionContests such as the AMC build problem-solving skills.
Volunteering ideas
- STEM nights for younger studentsRun hands-on science activities at elementary schools.
- Habitat for Humanity(official website)Building projects; check age rules for build sites.
- Repair or fix-it eventsHelp neighbors repair bikes, toys, and small appliances.
Hands-on building counts. A project your child designed and fixed over months is strong evidence of interest.
These count too
- A paid part-time job
- Caring for siblings or translating for parents
- Steady service at your temple, gurdwara, mosque, or community group
The Common App has its own categories for paid work and family responsibilities.
Last reviewed October 7, 2026.