A study from Washington State University showed that varsity athletes were more than twice as likely to graduate with a degree than non-athletes. Many people view athletes, college and high-school, as dumb jocks. I don't know if this study disproves the sentiment, but it does encourage me that extra curricular activities can improve graduation rates.
In high school, the students causing the most trouble have little or no connection to the school. They go home after school to be on their own and do their own thing. On the other, student-athletes or club members become involved in the quality of the school they belong to. Many athletes would never last in school without the promise of sport to pull them through. The non-athletes give up, while the athletes keep pushing to play their games.
I focus on sports, but the same is true for band, ROTC, art clubs, civic clubs, etc. If students feel connected and cared about in the school, they are less likely to cause behavioral problems and more likely to succeed. Isn't that what education is all about anyway?
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