Dallas ISD Student Activities help students discover their strengths

For nearly 20 years, Dallas ISD Student Activities department has given students the opportunity to discover new passions through free extracurricular programs.

More than 3,000 students participate in at least one extracurricular a year, averaging 500 to 600 per program. Recently, the highest engagement includes chess, cheer, e-sports and UIL.

Beyond the academic support they receive in the classroom, participation in a club enhances their personal growth helping them build confident futures and lifelong friendships. 

As the 2026-2027 school year approaches, students across all grade levels can choose between 12 free distinct activities across five focus areas: athletics, visual and performing arts, academics, service, and leadership and avocation. 

For all activities, meals and transportation are included in addition to gear incentives throughout the year, like hats and T-shirts. Participation can also open doors to scholarship opportunities and national-level competitions.

“Every student has a gift. It could be athletics or academics, or it can stem from a social need. A lot of the time, parents have to pay for these opportunities, so this is very unique to Dallas ISD,” Antonio Verduzco, director of Student Activities, said. “In all 12 of our activities, it brings out critical thinking, strategy, and presentation skills, creating an opportunity to break out of yourself and see that you can be very successful.”

For Verduzco, a Skyline High School graduate and former educator and principal, leading the department’s legacy is a full-circle endeavor. His drive stems from placing himself in the shoes of his former students. 

“I participated in debate, speech, and theater so I'm an example of someone continuing that legacy,” he said. “I ended up finding that participation brought out something else in me. I don't remember ever having to pay because as long as you were there, and willing to get on the bus, you were good to go–that’s a beautiful thing.”

To keep students engaged year after year, Verduzco said the department continuously monitors trending student interests, working behind the scenes to turn popular hobbies into fully-funded, districtwide clubs.

Following the massive success of the chess program, Student Activities will roll out mahjong across all 58 middle schools this school year, with the hope of expanding to elementary and high school. 

As the new school year approaches, families are encouraged to reach out to their student’s campus to help them find their niche and get connected early. To explore student activities, click here.