For hundreds of years it has been recognized that not all learning takes place in the classroom. Students' mental and social development also occurs outside the classroom in athletics, music and clubs. Regardless of the club the student is involved in, he/she fosters organizational, interpersonal, communication, planning, critical thinking, financing and evaluation skills. A club offers students the opportunity to combine components of their mental and social development into personal action. These students have the opportunity to test their skills and talents in different situations. Students will always work together to set goals, develop action plans to achieve those goals, and implement those plans. In this way, students could develop and maintain working relationships and friendships. The soul of a club is the students, but it is also made up of many things that happen behind the scenes. There are many benefits of student clubs aimed at students, instructors, etc. Benefits for students include the development of leadership skills and self-esteem. Students also get to know community members, instructors, and students. Students also apply the knowledge and skills they learn in class to their club. Some other benefits are learning to work in a team and with people of different ethnicities. Instructors benefit from clubs by observing their students apply the skills learned in the club in the classroom and then challenging the students' new skills. The benefits of clubs to the school include “opportunities for students to be recognized for their achievements, involvement of community members in programs, and positive public relations with the community” (Brountas). Parents may also benefit from observing their children excel in school and come home excited about the club. After-school clubs also have different categories. Typically there are “four basic types of student clubs: academic, special interest, special project or problem, sports” (North). participate in academic clubs gain knowledge outside of the classroom that is later applied in the classroom Students become involved based on a common interest and hope to be with other students who share the same interests in the third type of student club is very similar to the special interest focus. “These clubs (special project or issue focus) provide students with expanded leadership experiences and community involvement. The last type of club is a sports club” (North).