Hoffman Teens Mentor Youth in iCompete Program

Hoffman students wrapped up a mentoring program this month with a year-end celebration. The program, called iCompete, pairs up Hoffman Estates High School (HEHS) students as mentors to school children at Muir Literacy Academy in Hoffman Estates. iCompete is a partnership between the Hoffman Estates Park District (HE Parks), Muir Literacy Academy, and HEHS and is funded by the HE Parks foundation, d.b.a. Friends of HE Parks. The HEHS mentors accompany the Muir students at sporting events throughout the school year. The park district provides trained staff, snacks and transportation from Muir to the sporting events.

"We are looking to provide healthy and safe alternatives so that kids can be enticed to make positive choices," said HE Parks Superintendent of Recreation Colleen Palmer. Research has shown that youth without structured activities after school are at a greater risk for substance abuse, violence and obesity.

iCompete started in 2013 as a partnership with village and HEHS with a $1,935 donation from the Friends of HE Parks. The program continues to serve approximately 20-25 kids each year.

For more information visit heparks.org or call 847-885-7500.

About the Friends of HE Parks

The Friends of HE Parks is a dedicated group of community volunteers who raise money so that more residents can participate in and enjoy recreational opportunities, regardless of their social, physical or economic circumstances and limitations. Founded in 1998, the Friends of HE Parks has given over $150,000 to more than 450 families since the inception of the scholarship program in 2005.