Cultivating Success: Active Student Involvement at North Pike High School

Introduction

Active student involvement is a cornerstone of a thriving high school environment, fostering academic success, personal growth, and a strong sense of community. At North Pike High School, a diverse range of opportunities and initiatives are designed to engage students, cultivate their talents, and prepare them for future success. This article explores the various avenues for student involvement at North Pike High School, highlighting the benefits and impact of these programs.

Academic Excellence and Graduation Rate

Pike High School’s Class of 2025 celebrated a 97% non-waiver graduation rate, exceeding the state average of 90%. This impressive statistic underscores the school's commitment to academic excellence and student success.

Pike Career and STEM Center Advisory Boards

Each program area at Pike Career and STEM Center has advisory boards that meet on a regular basis. Advisory boards provide an essential bridge between schools and the workplace. Business and/or industrial people, community leaders, educators, parents, and students volunteer on local advisory boards to play an active role in developing a future workforce by shaping talent in the high school. Advisory board members collaborate with educators to inform curricula; help organize work-based learning activities; and provide guest speakers, field trips, budgets, and internships.

Extracurricular Activities and Their Impact

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, participation in extracurricular activities is linked to key indicators of student success, including consistent attendance, stronger academic achievement, and aspirations to continue education beyond high school. At DASD, student involvement goes beyond the classroom. Our students participate in a wide range of activities, sports, arts, and community programs that help them explore their interests, build new skills, and connect with peers and the community.

Leadership and Mentorship Programs

Numerous leadership and mentorship programs are available to students, providing opportunities for personal growth and skill development.

4-H Youth Mentorship Program

4-H is a youth mentorship program aimed at providing children and teens with the guidance and resources necessary to develop confidence, personal skills, and their futures. Located throughout the country and state (Delaware HQ: Newark), 4-H offers a wide range of classes, clubs, and camps in multiple subjects.

ASPIRA

ASPIRA is a national Hispanic organization dedicated exclusively to developing the educational and leadership capacity of Hispanic youth by providing mentorship and support programs for interested students throughout the country. The Delaware organization location is in Newark.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS)

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) enlists adult volunteers to act as mentors and role models for at-risk youths, providing excellent one-on-one mentorship opportunities that can change lives for the better. BBBS mentors are carefully administered and trained in order to provide a safe and well-suited partnership built to last. Locations are found in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.

Bioneers

Bioneers offers youth leadership training and conferences designed to immerse students in creative planning and leadership roles. The program prides itself in a connection with and understanding of nature and attempts to involve that passion in its youth leadership training. Time commitment varies depending on program. Bioneers is located throughout the US (no Delaware locations are listed).

Boy and Girl Scouts

Boy and Girl Scouts offer numerous mentorship and educational opportunities. Scouts participate in a varied set of educational, leadership, and community-focused activities. Locations are found throughout the country (Delaware HQ: Newark). Girls ages 5-18 and boys ages 7-17 can contact their local chapter to apply.

Read also: Enrichment and Engagement

Choices Education Group

Choices Education Group provides educational and mentorship programs designed to help teenagers navigate through difficult phases of their lives, gaining insights into their lives they may otherwise not have. Chapters are located throughout the country (with some programs available in Delaware schools). Time commitment varies by personal commitment.

Civil Air Patrol (CAP)

CAP is an organization of civilian flyers that provides national defense capabilities to the United States. The program provides a way to learn how to fly and get involved in the local community. Cadets may join squadrons from ages 12-19.

The Congressional Award

The Congressional Award provides an opportunity for young people to achieve life-long self-improvement and learn how to use self-motivation to accomplish difficult goals. After applying, participants set a goal related to: Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, or Expedition/Exploration. Upon completing their personal goal, participants receive a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Congressional Award Certificate and Medal. The program is based out of Washington, D.C.

Delaware Futures

Delaware Futures is a program that helps at-risk or disadvantaged youth in high school develop the social, academic, and problem-solving skills they need to qualify for college. It provides a great mentorship program for teenagers who want to go to college but may not know how.

Delaware Leadership in Service

Delaware Leadership in Service provides service opportunities and employment for low-income Delaware youth who may not otherwise be able to access or afford training. Headquarters are in New Castle County.

Read also: The Power of Active Learning

Delaware Youth Leadership Network

The Delaware Youth Leadership Network elects students to participate in a 9-month program that includes interaction with inspirational speakers, mentorship, and skill development, focusing on developing the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful future. Scholars will also have an opportunity to build relationships and network with their contemporaries.

Emerging Leadership Project

The Emerging Leadership Project aims to identify, engage, educate, and prepare the most prominent young Jewish leaders of the community. Participants in the program will be given an opportunity to take important volunteer positions upon completion of the program. Located throughout Delaware.

Torch Club

Torch Club is a leadership program focused on four areas: community service, education, health and fitness, and social recreation. 42 locations are spread throughout Delaware. The program offers hands-on experience in community service and leadership. Time commitment varies based on personal participation and club activities. Membership is reserved for boys and girls ages 11-13.

College Preparation and Access Programs

Several programs are dedicated to helping students prepare for college and navigate the college application process.

Upward Bound

Upward Bound is a support program designed to help high school students, whose parents have not graduated from college, learn about and prepare for college. It provides multiple college prep and pathway programs designed to prepare students for the overall college process. There are several programs including counseling, college field trips, and Saturday retreats, as well as a 6-week summer enhancement program that provides classes in English, Mathematics, Science, and Computer Technology. It is located at three Delaware Tech campuses: Georgetown, Wilmington, and Dover.

FAME

FAME is a pre-college prep and enrichment program intended to motivate women and traditionally underrepresented minority students in grades 7-12 to complete undergraduate degrees in STEM (Science Tech Engineering Math) programs. It offers STEM related classes along with a Robotics Club and a Student Council, as well as a 4-6 week summer enrichment program and a school year extension and enrichment program two Saturdays each month.

TeenSHARP

TeenSHARP gives low income and minority youth access to leadership opportunities, college prep, and community involvement, providing a great way to gain valuable leadership and community involvement experience prior to starting college.

Enrichment and Skill-Building Opportunities

A variety of programs offer enrichment and skill-building opportunities in diverse fields.

Delaware’s High School Mock Trial Competition

Each year, Delaware’s High School Mock Trial Competition provides teams from schools and community groups with a legal case to analyze and present. During the Mock Trial, students play the roles of the witnesses and attorneys on both sides of the case. The goal of the competition is to enhance students’ citizenship skills through learning about the US trial system and developing critical thinking and public speaking skills. The competition is held in Wilmington, Delaware in late February each year.

Envision

Envision provides several different programs, focused on career exploration and leadership and innovation, aimed at helping students discover their interests and passions so that they may make educated decisions about their future goals.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

FBLA is the largest business career student organization in the world. Members can expect to get involved in classes, events, networking opportunities, and community activities designed to develop their skills as future business leaders. Chapters are found throughout the US (no Delaware location listed).

Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement is a national organization designed to teach students financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship through classes and mentorship opportunities.

National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)

NSLC holds events designed to introduce motivated students to different subjects depending on the program (including business, STEM, leadership, government/law, and performing/media arts). Students will spend about a week at a college campus attending seminars and workshops related to leadership as well as their chosen topic. NSLC provides a great way to receive hands-on experience in a chosen subject, meet experts in that field, and interact with other motivated students with the same passions and interests. Programs range from 5-21 days.

Youth in Government (YIG)

In YIG, students learn the democratic process through participation in an active model government. Any high school student may apply by attending the first meeting for the local delegation they are interested in or by contacting the local delegation directly.

Government and Civic Engagement Programs

These programs provide students with firsthand experience in government and civic engagement.

Senate Page Program

The Senate Page Program is located in Washington, D.C. Participants act as Senate-sponsored pages and are primarily tasked with delivering correspondence and legislation within the Congressional complex. A Senate page will work within the Senate, House, and the Library of Congress and will have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience on the workings of the federal government. Pages typically serve for one semester or one summer session. Applicants must be a high school junior at least 16 years old.

United States Senate Youth Program

Two student representatives are selected from each state to attend an intensive week-long educational experience and scholarship sponsored by the United States Senate in Washington, D.C. known as Washington Week. Students will gain an in-depth view of the Senate and the federal government overall. Transportation is provided by the Hearst Foundation. A high school junior or senior that actively serves in an elected or appointed capacity in certain student government, civic organizations, or educational organizations is eligible to apply through their high school or by contacting their state selection contacts.

Summer Programs

Delaware Governor’s School for Excellence

The Delaware Governor’s School for Excellence is a one-week summer residential program that brings together academically and artistically talented Delaware high school students who have completed their sophomore year.

Community Support and Outreach

The Community

This program is aimed at helping disadvantaged youths through community support and outreach. Headquartered in Wilmington, it provides support for communities in Wilmington, Belvidere, and Middletown.

Athletics

Pike High School Girls & Boys Basketball Teams Win 2026 MIC Championships!

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