Teens
HPNC welcomes families who receive a childcare subsidy through Illinois Action for Children. ​Additional financial assistance is available for qualifying families. Find out more and submit your eligibility information on our Sliding Scale Pricing page.
Please note that an annual Access Pass is now required for all program participants and their families for registration into HPNC and on-site partner programs.
Leaders in Training (L.I.T.)
Rising 5th-8th graders
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HPNC’s L.I.T. program promotes the positive development of middle school youth by equipping them with the tools needed to build social-emotional skills, become community pathfinders, and advocate for adolescent needs. Using evidence-based curriculum, youth will learn important life skills and discover their own strengths and passions while taking on community leadership, service learning, and entrepreneurship projects. Youth will engage in activities like meaningful debates, weekly self-reflection, team challenges, and youth-led program planning across topics they identify as important.  
The L.I.T. Program will consist of a Youth Advisory Board, providing a youth-led platform for participants to give feedback, share input, organize family engagement events, and have a bigger voice in programming planning/activities offered. The Youth Advisory Board will focus on youth empowerment and confidence building, conveying the message that youth can change the world and it starts with their development of strategic planning skills and community engagement. 
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L.I.T. participants will receive academic support and tutoring, while also providing the same type of support to our Kindergartens and first graders. Program fee is discounted for 7th and 8th grade students.
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Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
Rising 9th-12th graders
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HPNC is calling all high school leaders, creators, and change-makers! HPNC is starting a Teen Advisory Board where youth step into real leadership, shape programs, and bring their ideas to life. Members don’t just share opinions — they plan events, lead projects, and influence decisions that impact their peers and the HPNC community. Interested in being heard, leading with purpose, and making real change? Join the Teen Advisory Board and take your seat at the table!
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The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) will begin meeting this summer (June 15th to August 14th)! Meetings will be twice per week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11a-1p. One day per week will be dedicated to meaningful service work, while the other will be a meeting of the TAB community to connect, build relationships, and plan initiatives.
We are also excited to share that, thanks to a generous donation, participating students are eligible to receive a quarterly stipend for their work with TAB as well!
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Summer Session: June 15th to August 14th
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11a-1p
Who: Rising 9th-12th graders
Cost: Free with HPNC Access Pass
Basketball
Spring 2026
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Basketball Skills & Drills
April 2 - June 11, 2026
Ages 10-14: Thursdays 5-6 pm & Saturdays 11 am-12 pm
Basketball has been a part of the HPNC story from our very beginning in 1909. Participants develop fundamental skills while broadening players’ knowledge of positions and responsibilities for an increased basketball IQ. At HPNC, players learn age-appropriate skills and sportsmanship through drills and scrimmages.​​​​​​
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Middle & High School Open Gym
Fridays 4:30-6 pm, starting April 17
Open court basketball connects youth throughout the city with the goal of enjoying the game in a fun and safe environment. The free-play atmosphere provides youth agency with their play under the supervision of HPNC staff. ​​​​​​
Book Club
Spring 2026
Book Club is more than just reading—it’s an experience. Each session, youth dive into a shared book while also exploring it through real conversations, creative activities, and hands-on experiences that bring the story to life. From uncovering big themes to debating characters’ choices, Book Club creates space for curiosity, connection, and critical thinking. Whether we’re solving mysteries, making art, or stepping into the world of the story, there’s always something new to discover.
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Each participant will receive a book to read, with time built in to read at their own pace. Some weeks will include fun, creative activities inspired by the book—think art, games, or even themed challenges!
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This enrichment is perfect for curious readers who want to have fun, make new friends, and experience books in a whole new way. Let the reading adventures begin!​
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Spring Book: When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
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Stay tuned for Summer session dates!
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Who: Youth ages 9-14
Cost: Free with HPNC Access Pass
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MAPSCorps
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