Editing Extracurricular activity (section)

== Importance of diversity ==
Diversity in clubs and extracurricular activities plays an important role in adolescent lives and futures. Exposure to diverse groups can help promote adolescents to become socially intelligent and responsible adults. However, being immersed in diverse populations is not enough, as it is beneficial only if members engage with one another.<ref>Park, J. p., & Chang, S. H. (2015). Understanding Students' Precollege Experiences 
With Racial Diversity: The High School as Microsystem. Journal of College Student Development, 56(4), 349-362.</ref> More meaningful interactions with a diverse range of peers allows people to acquire traits such as more socially-responsible leadership skills.<ref>{{cite journal | doi=10.1037/a0035130 | title=Effects of diversity experiences on socially responsible leadership over four years of college | date=2013 | last1=Parker | first1=Eugene T. | last2=Pascarella | first2=Ernest T. | journal=Journal of Diversity in Higher Education | volume=6 | issue=4 | pages=219–230 }}</ref> Furthermore, participating in ethnic clubs allowed minority groups to feel more connected to their cultures and allowed others to gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures.<ref name="auto1">{{cite journal | doi=10.1353/csd.2004.0037 | title=Does Participation in Ethnic Cocurricular Activities Facilitate a Sense of Ethnic Awareness and Understanding? A Study of Asian Pacific American Undergraduates | date=2004 | last1=Inkelas | first1=Karen Kurotsuchi | journal=Journal of College Student Development | volume=45 | issue=3 | pages=285–302 }}</ref><ref name="auto">Luo, J., & Jamieson-Drake, D. (2013). Examining the Educational Benefits of 
Interacting with International Students. Journal of International Students, 3(2), 85-101.</ref> This has two key benefits: minority groups have a safe place to feel a sense of belonging to their cultural roots and background, and people of differing ethnic backgrounds have an opportunity to learn more about other cultures and thus become more culturally competent. Correlational studies showed positive relationships with involvement in ethnic/cultural clubs and intellectual and psychosocial development, multicultural competence, interpersonal skills, and leadership.<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto"/>

Additionally, in school settings, interracial friendships positively impacted the individuals involved and the school culture as a whole.<ref name="auto2">{{cite journal | doi=10.1177/2156759x0001800115 | title=Supporting Interethnic and Interracial Friendships among Youth to Reduce Prejudice and Racism in Schools: The Role of the School Counselor | date=2014 | last1=Pica-Smith | first1=Cinzia | last2=Poynton | first2=Timothy A. | journal=Professional School Counseling | volume=18 }}</ref> This demonstrates the importance of implementing multiculturalism into school environments, both academically and in extracurricular activities. It is important to continue research on incorporating multiculturalism and ethnic/cultural clubs into schools. Creating a multicultural competent environment for diverse student populations allows them to engage with others, discuss possible biases and stereotypes openly, and form meaningful intergroup relationships. If that is implemented at a young age, it is more likely to carry into adulthood, thus molding a more socially and culturally competent adult.<ref name="auto2"/>