Capitalizing on the Extra Curriculum: Participation, Peer Influence, and Academic Achievement

This study utilizes hierarchical regression techniques to examine the effect of extracurricular participation on social capital and academic achievement. Extracurricular participation in specific activities is revealed to operate as a means for obtaining membership in academically oriented peer groups. The adoption of pro-academic norms as a result of socialization within these groups is presented as one mechanism through which participation can positively affect achievement. Membership in an academically oriented peer group is revealed to act as a significant mediator of participation effects and demonstrates a positive effect on mathematics achievement among male students. Consequently, the academic disposition of peers and friends in these groups constitutes a form of social capital as defined by Coleman and underscores the necessity of examining homophilial, as well as heterophilial relationships as potential sources of social capital.