WHO ARE ROGERS PARK YOUTH?
All young people deserve the opportunity, tools, and support they need to develop their interests and build a stable future, and they can find that at HECC.
Funding youth programs means that hundreds of young people from underserved communities and facing prejudice are given the opportunity to blossom.
Contact: 773.381.3652
Location: 1527 W. Morse Ave., Chicago, IL
EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH AGES 9-13:
Afterschool Programs (at neighborhood Chicago Public Schools)
We offer youth-voice and social-justice themed after school programs.
What does that mean?
Students direct their curriculum on issues they want to be changed in their community– like domestic violence or gun violence– focusing on root causes like racism and prejudice. The workshops focus on Identity, Oppression, Leadership, and Non-Violent Issue-Based Activism through fun activities and project-based learning. Recreational activities also include STEAM, e-sports, photography, playing sports, and creative writing.
The goals?
- Improve academic performance through activities like tutoring and completing homework in the group
- Develop social skills through discussion and group collaboration
- Prepare for high school
- Build confidence
Enrollment
These programs require that youth are enrolled at their respective school. Applications are available at the schools and the HECC Youth Center.
If you would like these programs offered in your child’s school please contact Robert Conlon, Director of Youth Development Services rconlon@howardarea.org
The Howard Area Clubhouse (Teen Arts & Technology Center)
The Clubhouse provides a creative, safe, and free out-of-school learning environment where young people from our community work with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, develop new skills, and build confidence in themselves through the use of technology.
Youth also explore the most current technology and develop skill sets to prepare for the job market.
What areas do they study?
- Coding & Game Design
- Scratch 2.0 and 3.0
- Intro to C and C++
- Content Creation
- Digital Audio Production
- Digital Film Making
- Motion Graphics/ 3-D/ Virtual Reality/ Augmented Reality
- Creating YouTube Channels & Twitch Channel
- Graphic Design Projects
- Podcasting
- Social Media Management
- Animation Projects
- eSports
- Team Competition
- Live Streaming Production
- Scholarship Assistance
- Tournament Organizing
- Maker Space
- 3D Design
- Multimedia production
- Cosplay
- Robotics/ Arduinos
Ages: 10-18 years old
Fun fact!
The Howard Area Clubhouse provides opportunities for global learning and multicultural exchange. The Clubhouse Network is an international community of more than 100 Clubhouses located in 20 countries, providing youth with life-changing opportunities for over 25 years. Check out The Clubhouse Network at www.computerclubhouse.org.
Howard Area Reading Program (HARP)
HARP is one of the longest-running literacy programs in the country–serving children for over 40 years!
Volunteer mentors work with 30 – 40 children twice per week to provide one-on-one tutoring. Mentors work with one child throughout the school year.
HARP tutors mentor and tutor children to combat illiteracy and build children’s confidence in themselves and their academic ability.
HARP Reading Specialists train new volunteers, using the National Louis University clinic model.
Who qualifies?
Children in 3rd-5th grade who are at least a grade level behind in reading at Oakton Elementary School.
I want to be a volunteer tutor!
Check out the tutor page for more information.
Seeing Healthy Active Rogers Park (SHARP)
The SHARP program works with children in HECC after-school and summer programs to learn about healthy eating and living. The two focus areas are nutrition education and physical fitness.
The goal is obesity prevention for the Rogers Park Community by helping youth make informed and healthy decisions.
Did you know?
- One in five U.S. children struggles with obesity, increasing the risk of lifelong health problems like heart disease and type-2 diabetes.
- Food deserts contribute greatly to childhood obesity. They are areas where residents cannot access affordable, healthy, and fresh food due to the absence of grocery stores within convenient traveling distance. They primarily impact low-income neighborhoods, often majority people of color.
Youth Center Philosophy
Restorative Justice:
Restorative Justice is all about repairing harm, instead of punishing those who harm others. It focuses on the accountability of those harming others while allowing the people hurt to have a resolution—whether it’s through a simple conversation, apologies, or action.
This is key to empowering community members to build peace in their own neighborhoods and be present to participate in their own communities.
At the Youth Center, young people are celebrated for their worth, treated with respect, and guided to respect others even during times of conflict.
Do you want to become a Member of The Clubhouse?
Contact us:
Youth Dept. Director: Robert Conlon
Clubhouse Coordinator: Terrance David
OUR SPONSORS:
