Building a resume can be tough, especially if you’re just getting started. That’s why EducationQuest redesigned our free Activities Resume tool to be more intuitive, flexible, and useful than ever. We caught up with Jason Combs, director of technology and marketing, to learn what’s new and how students can get the most out of the tool.

What is an Activities Resume, and how can high school students use it to support their college and scholarship goals?

Activities Resume is a free tool developed by EducationQuest Foundation to help students build professional resumes tailored for college and scholarship applications. Designed for flexibility, it’s also useful for job applications and promotions, making it a versatile resource throughout a student’s high school career and beyond.

What makes this version better than the previous one?

The tool has been completely redesigned with a cleaner, more modern look. In addition to visual improvements, new features and back-end enhancements make Activities Resume faster, more efficient, and easier to use. These changes aim to create a more intuitive and powerful experience for students.

If students used this tool in the past, is their information in the new version?

Yes! Student data from the previous version has been migrated to the new platform. While some rarely used categories were streamlined or combined, the core information remains intact. Users might notice that some items appear under new or renamed categories, but all key data should be easily accessible.

What are some of the new features?

The updated tool includes:

• More reliable email delivery.
• Plain text exports for easy use in Google Docs, Canva, and other platforms.
• Fresh, customizable resume templates.
• Flexible custom categories to highlight unique experiences.
• Optional AI support for spelling and grammar checks.

What is the user experience like for someone starting for the first time?

The tool guides new users through a straightforward setup process, starting with basic personal information and moving on to common high school activities. Once those fields are complete, students can add more categories, including fully customizable sections, to reflect their unique experiences.

What can the AI feature do for students?

The AI feature offers spelling and grammar suggestions to help students refine their entries. It’s an optional feature—students must activate it for each entry, ensuring data is only shared if the student consents. In the future, AI capabilities may expand to include writing support and prompts for reflection.

How do the resume templates work, and what options are available?

A live preview displays how students’ content will appear as they build their resumes. They can choose from a variety of template styles, ranging from basic text layouts to more modern, visually dynamic designs. New templates may be added over time, and students can easily switch between them while preserving their content.

Can the tool be used for both college/scholarship applications and job applications?

Absolutely. The flexibility of the templates and the ability to hide specific entries allow students to tailor their resumes for different audiences. This makes creating versions for scholarships, college admissions, and even professional job applications easy, without losing any original content.

How often should students update their resumes?

We recommend updating resumes frequently, ideally every semester or whenever students participate in a new activity. The more regularly students update, the easier it is to keep records accurate and complete. And since the tool is mobile-friendly, updates can be made on the go.

What advice would you give to students just starting their resumes?

Don’t wait! Even if you don’t feel like you have much to add, starting early helps you recognize what matters and what should be documented. The tool’s built-in categories offer insight into the types of accomplishments and experiences that are valuable on a resume, giving students a clearer roadmap for the future.

How long will students have access to their resumes?

As long as students remain active users, their resumes will be saved indefinitely. EducationQuest only deletes inactive accounts after three years, and not without plenty of warning via email. Simply logging in occasionally is enough to keep your account alive.

Is the data private and secure?

Yes. EducationQuest takes data privacy seriously. Student resume data is not accessible to staff, and AI features are only activated with student consent. Security policies are in place and continuously reviewed to ensure student data remains protected.

What impact do you hope the upgraded tool will have on Nebraska students?

We hope the new Activities Resume continues to empower students as it has in the past. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that something the team built has helped students secure scholarships or land jobs. Because it’s free, we encourage all Nebraska students to take advantage of it and share feedback so the tool can continue to grow.

By Jeannine Phelan