AACC students juggle full schedules with work and school, and some choose to add to their busy days by participating in clubs.

They say they end up benefitting from the extracurricular activities.

“Most students, because this is a community college, don’t get involved with the school too much, but clubs help with that,” Connor Kelly, History Club treasurer, said. “They also help students get in contact with professors and other programs around the school.”

Steve Kreider, program coordinator for the Office of Student Engagement, called AACC’s student organizations “a great opportunity to learn valuable leadership skills.”

Surveys about club membership bear that out. A study by George Washington University’s Graduate School of Education & Human Development lists social opportunities, personal development and leadership skills as the top benefits of student club memberships. A Bentley University study found club members benefit from networking opportunities, an expanded resume and a break from regular course work. Central Maine Community College’s survey revealed that clubs help students discover new passions, create lasting relationships and ease the transition to a four-year school.

According to AACC’s Student Engagement website, the top reasons to join clubs on campus are growth and development, connecting to college resources and programs, and offering students the ability to get involved.

Danny Jacob, president of the AACC student organization Students Out to Destroy Assumptions, or SODA, said his club has allowed him to get to know faculty members and students. SODA advocates inclusion and acceptance of students with disabilities. Jacob said participating in the club has helped him rid himself of his assumptions.

“These clubs are a way to give students a voice,” Jacob said. “Whatever [else] students are a part of, these clubs give them the opportunity to change and add to that environment.”