Motivating high school students to stay engaged, achieve their goals, and demonstrate positive behavior can be a challenge for many educators and parents. Whether the goal is to improve attendance, encourage good behavior, or reward academic achievement, offering incentives can make a significant difference.

From creative rewards to tried-and-true methods, there are countless ways to inspire students to excel. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 31 incentives for high school students to help educators, parents, and communities create impactful incentive programs.

1. Custom Shoelaces

Nothing stands out like personalized style, and custom shoelaces are a great way to let students express their individuality. These high-quality laces can feature school colors, inspiring words, or creative designs that motivate students to attend school and participate in incentive programs.

Check out our custom shoelaces to learn more about designing laces for your students.

2. Custom Socks

Reward high schoolers with custom socks featuring their favorite patterns or school logos. These socks are a practical yet fun way to celebrate good behavior, high grades, or good attendance.

They’re also great for promoting a sense of belonging among students.

3. Custom Sports Bags

For students who participate in sports or other extracurricular activities, custom sports bags are a valuable and stylish incentive. These bags can carry their gear and remind them of their achievements every day.

4. Homework Passes

A classic yet highly effective incentive, homework passes allow students to skip an assignment. Many teachers find this reward particularly motivating for high school students who might feel overwhelmed by their workload.

5. Free Snack Coupons

Teens love snacks, and offering free snack coupons is a simple way to incentivize participation. Partner with local businesses to provide snacks like chips, granola bars, or fruit cups as rewards.

6. Movie Tickets

Give students the opportunity to unwind with their friends by rewarding them with movie tickets. Many theaters offer discounted rates for schools or educators.

7. School Supplies

Incentivize students with new and trendy school supplies like colorful pens, notebooks, or planners. These items are both practical and fun, promoting good behavior and academic success.

8. Field Trips

Organize a field trip to a museum, zoo, or local attraction as a reward for an entire class or group of students. This is a great way to promote teamwork and the importance of good attendance.

9. Jeans Day or Hat Day

Allow students to wear school-appropriate jeans or hats for a day as a reward. These simple privileges can go a long way in motivating students to participate in incentive programs.

10. Extra Credit Opportunities

Offer extra credit opportunities as a reward for positive behavior, participation, or academic effort. This is a great example of how to tie incentives directly to school performance.

11. Good Morning Announcements

Recognize high-achieving students by featuring them in the school’s morning announcements. A shout-out from the principal or superintendent can make a child feel appreciated.

12. Classroom Parties

Host a classroom party like a pizza party or ice cream social for classes that meet attendance or behavior goals. Spending time with classmates in a relaxed environment can be a huge motivator.

13. Gift Cards

Provide small gift cards to popular stores, restaurants, or online retailers as rewards. Even a $5 card can go a long way in motivating students to stay on track.

14. Fun Friday Activities

Reserve time on Fridays for fun activities like games, sports, or crafts. This can be a weekly incentive for students who demonstrate good behavior or achieve their goals.

15. Points-Based Systems

Create a points-based system where students earn rewards like lunch coupons, free time, or computer access by accumulating points for positive actions.

16. Free Time Passes

Give students free time passes to relax, socialize, or pursue hobbies as a reward for good behavior or academic achievements.

17. Certificates of Recognition

Print certificates acknowledging students’ achievements in areas like attendance, academic improvement, or community involvement. These are great for motivating students while promoting the importance of their hard work.

18. "Spend Time With the Principal" Events

Organize lunches or game sessions with the principal for students who excel. Spending time with school leadership can be surprisingly motivating for younger students and high schoolers alike.

19. Trophies or Medals

Offer trophies or medals to students who stand out in academics, sports, or behavior. These tangible rewards can be displayed at home or school, providing a lasting sense of accomplishment.

20. School Spirit Merchandise

Reward students with school-branded merchandise like T-shirts, hoodies, or caps. This encourages school pride while motivating students to meet their goals.

21. Local Business Discounts

Partner with local businesses to provide discounts or free items for students. For example, students could earn free ice cream or a discount on a haircut for meeting attendance or behavior benchmarks.

22. Class "Hat Days"

Allow entire classes to wear hats for a day as a fun and simple reward. It’s an easy way to celebrate teamwork and good behavior.

23. Positive Behavior Assemblies

Host assemblies that celebrate good behavior and academic achievements. Include fun activities or performances to make the event special.

24. Lunch With Friends

Allow students to sit with friends in a special area of the cafeteria or even outdoors as a reward for meeting their goals.

25. Fun Field Day

Organize a field day with games and activities to reward students for their hard work. This can be a great way to promote community and teamwork.

26. High-Tech Rewards

Provide access to fun tech gadgets like VR headsets or tablets as rewards for students who excel in their studies or behavior.

27. Parent-Teacher Celebrations

Host an event where parents and teachers can celebrate students’ accomplishments together. This fosters a positive community and reinforces the importance of family involvement.

28. Class-Wide Rewards

Incentivize entire classes with rewards like movie afternoons, game days, or extra recess for achieving collective goals.

29. "Principal for a Day"

Let a student take on the role of the principal for a day. This is a fun and unique reward that also teaches leadership skills.

30. Customized Planners

Provide students with customized planners to help them stay organized while rewarding their efforts.

31. Community Service Opportunities

Reward students with the chance to participate in community service projects. Many students find fulfillment and motivation in giving back to their community.

Helpful Incentives to Change the Culture of Your Classroom

Incentives are powerful tools for motivating high school students and teaching them the importance of hard work and good behavior. Whether it’s a pair of custom shoelaces, a homework pass, or a field trip, rewards can help create a positive learning environment and foster a sense of accomplishment. At LacedUp Laces, we believe in creating personalized incentives that resonate with students and encourage them to succeed.

Explore our wide range of custom products, including shoelaces, socks, and sports bags, to bring your incentive programs to life. Together, we can inspire the next generation to achieve their dreams.