Droves of students wandered through the center corridor of tables putting out feelers, while flanking club representatives from behind their tables and posters, sounded their pitches during the 2026 Clubs Fair that took place in Building 8 during opening week.

From informed career growth to the celebration of one’s culture, joining a club at Highline College offers many advantages. Running Start Club, Badminton Club, Minecraft Club and Business Club, to name a few, were among the many trumpeting their boons at the fair.

Collegians at Highline are very busy. Between classes, homework, possibly a job, and of course life, why do they make time in their schedules to join a collective here on campus?

“Clubs are a great way to form a community on campus and it’s really important to have that community when you’re going to school to kind of balance the hard work that you’re doing in your classes,” said Cassie Geraghty, the Clubs Program Leadership Advisor overseeing the fair. That stasis helps people find contentment in an otherwise challenging academic process.

Often, the swiftness of in-class encounters frustrates students’ attempts to genuinely connect with their peers. They may, however, take advantage of a less hurried moment to connect with those whom they share commonalities with.

“Networking, connecting, especially for Black men in America at this time, is really, really hard,” said Anansi Thomas, Secretary for the African American Male Education Network and Development or A²MEND Club. “We’re hoping that the club will bring them to the light.” Inviting, to those desirous of an uplifting communal space. 

Jay Vargas, member of the Latino Student Union, explained how their mission is to “focus on educational events as well as events celebrating Latino culture and heritage as well as dance, language, food. We’re basically just trying to create a community here of Latinos.” A place to strike that balance of school work and life.

When scholars at times feel lonely, college clubs can be the perfect place to make new friends. “In today’s modern environment, it can be difficult to … meet others that align with your interests,” voiced Duncan Dao, President of the Queers and Allies Club. “We’ve tried to provide a local college support club and resources for those who are in the [Queer] community and even those who aren’t in it, so that we can further build trust and connection altogether.”

From those just looking to hang out and play some games, to those looking for resources on hormone replacement therapy, the Queer and Allies Club welcomes all identities, every other Monday from 3 to 4 p.m., in Building 8, room 302. 

Students transitioning from high school looking to fill the fraternal void, can find their people at the S.W.O.R.D. Club, “ where we play tabletop role-playing games,” shared Vice President Wily Winnerlind. “Every week we have a mixer meet up on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. And we also have a Discord server we organize games through.” Why not share in a few laughs mixed in with friendly competition?

Perhaps performers wish to mingle with fellow thespians at the Drama Club. President Ellis Darrow, describes how “a lot of our students either have no background in theater, or they have a lot of background in theater. They want to continue that at Highline. You have a big mix of people coming together.”

Coeds concerned with preparing for entrance into their prospective career field also find like minded individuals at clubs. “We’re trying to get people prepared for the real world, by practicing our skills, you know, perfecting them, and even going to competitions,” said Jacquelin Casillas, a member of the Cybersecurity Club.

Gaining that type of experience is invaluable for any pathway undergrads take at Highline. Regarding the new Transportation and Logistics Club, faculty advisor Katelyn Bermingham echoed, “[this club] is going to help connect students to working professionals in the transportation and logistics sector.”

Those looking for support, guidance, collaboration, or connection from their college community, but unsure where to start, can view the Highline Clubs Directory and fill out a Club Contact Form. Or simply show up at a scheduled meeting to join!