5 Unique Clubs on College Campuses

Contents

Relay for Life
College Mentors for Kids
Design for America
Campus Newspaper
Circle K International

A college club on your resume can spark an employer’s interest. Although schools have various student organizations, it’s best to choose one related to your career goal or major. Ideally, participating should be fun while developing a marketable skill. Here are unique clubs on college campuses offering meaningful opportunities.

1. Relay for Life

By volunteering in this club, you’ll help raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life is an annual worldwide event. It draws donations to support cancer patients and disease research. The program pays tribute to people who lost the fight against cancer, along with victors. Each Relay lasts six to 24 hours, using a school’s running track. Each fundraising team has a “campsite,” from which to:

collect donations
hold games
provide entertainment

Team members take turns walking the track, ensuring that at least one representative is there at all times. Among the different event ceremonies are:

a candlelight vigil
laps reserved for cancer survivors and caregivers
a survivor dinner

As an event participant, you can opt to:

join a committee
witness the event
operate a campsite
walk the track

Committees include:

team recruitment
marketing,
corporate sponsorship

Preceding each Relay are team-building events and local fundraisers. If you’d like to join a committee, attend a sign-up meeting, held at the start of each year. You can register to attend a Relay at any time before an event. “Relay for Life” on your resume shows employers that you’re a generous and caring team player. You are moved to action by human suffering. Serving on a committee indicates leadership qualities. Here you can find a Relay for Life event near you.

2. College Mentors for Kids

This non-profit has clubs on college campuses throughout the US. It currently has 34 chapters. Mentored children come from elementary schools where the majority of students live at poverty level. College students inspire the children to pursue higher education. Through fun activities, you’ll bond with a student and share the benefits of staying in school. The ultimate goal of College Mentors for Kids is to help grammar school students break free from poverty. On Interactivity Days, your child will join you on campus. They’ll participate in classes to get a sense of the college experience. The curriculum includes guest speakers, representing various aspects of college life and fulfilling careers. The itinerary also includes hands-on activities. These are followed with time for kids to reflect and journal their impressions. College students run each chapter. The organization coordinates transportation to activities, which are held after grade school hours. Although you’re paired with one child, the activities are group-based. Topics include:

culture
diversity
community service
higher education
careers

When employers see “College Mentors for Kids” on your resume, they’ll be stirred by your efforts to help poverty-stricken students. Club membership also demonstrates how much you value education, career, and bright futures for youth. Here you can apply to become a student mentor.

3. Design for America

Would you like to create projects that help solve community problems? Design for America (DFA) consists of:

student-led teams
addressing challenges to:
- our environment
- economy
- health systems
- educational systems

DFA connects:

organizations
businesses
mentors
college students

They combine resources to improve communities. Each year, the National Leadership Studio identifies a social issue to focus on. During the five-day conference, you’ll meet with:

other college students
business leaders
government officials
DFA alumni

Speakers cite past program successes and the skills needed to tackle the current issue. You’ll learn how to organize and manage a student team or “campus studio.” You’ll practice the entire design process, including methods to:

attract supporters
promote cooperation
test prototypes

Leadership Studio is held each August at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Student registration closes each July. Attendees pay a nominal registration fee and receive discounted rates at local hotels. DFA has an eight-year track record of successful projects. Past projects have targeted:

reducing hospital-acquired infections
fine-tuning the voting process
protecting basements from flood damage
improving the lives of those affected by Down Syndrome
minimizing campus waste

DFA partners are businesses that commit to hosting five student teams for three months, assisting with a project. Company leaders meet with the students on their respective campuses. Each student team comprises up to 25 participants. Here’s the current roster of campus studios. If the college you’re considering isn’t listed, you’re invited to start its student team. This Launching Guide details the exciting process. “Design for America” on your resume distinguishes you as a take-charge leader, skilled in:

organization
analysis
communication
collaboration
problem-solving

An employer will also value your motivation and dedication to positive social change.

4. Campus Newspaper

Being on the staff of your college newspaper hones vital job skills. You’ll learn an organized approach to conducting research. You’ll become versed in different writing styles. Working under deadlines teaches time management. By interacting with news sources and staff members, your communication skills will improve. In addition to obtaining career-building skills, you’ll join a family of close-knit students. Your fellow journalists will be a supportive and positive influence while attending college. Helping to run a college newspaper indicates that you’re:

hard-working
resourceful
reliable
literate

If you’re pursuing a job that requires writing, having this student organization on your resume will bode well for you.

5. Circle K International

A division of the Kiwanis service club, Circle K International (CKI) consists of college students involved in community and campus projects. It’s the largest university service organization worldwide. CKI has nearly 500 clubs on college campuses in 19 countries. By joining, you’ll raise funds for non-profits, dedicated to various causes. Among the charity recipients are:

UNICEF
March of Dimes
Better World Books
Students Team Up to Fight Hunger (STUFH).

Working alongside fellow college students, you’ll help children and adults in need. In the process, you’ll acquire:

leadership skills
networking contacts
professional training

Scholarships are available to cover education costs. Aktion Club is the Circle K coalition that welcomes disabled adults. One way to become more acquainted with the organization is to attend the annual CKI Service Week at a local college campus. You’ll learn about the charities CKI supports and some of their current projects. Here you can find and join a Circle K club in your area. “CKI” on your resume exemplifies your compassionate nature. This is expressed through selfless humanitarian acts. Involvement in this club also portrays you as:

dynamic
enthusiastic
productive

It shows you’re a substantial asset to employers.

Here are additional student organizations to consider joining.

Bonus Points!

A college club on your resume can help you obtain an internship or permanent job. Listing any of the above service-oriented clubs will impress prospective employers. Consider joining: