Middle & High School Homeschoolers need more
The Illinois Homeschool Resource Center is growing — and we keep hearing the same thing from families:
“There just aren’t many opportunities for older homeschoolers.”
We agree.
That’s why we’re intentionally building more opportunities designed specifically for middle school and high school students — opportunities that go beyond busywork and help teens build real friendships, confidence, leadership, and life skills.
Here’s the truth - we don’t have high schoolers of our own (yet) and need help understanding what teens and their parents want. So, we will be hosting a meeting for teens and their parents to brainstorm together to build a program that’s both enriching and enjoyable.
Ideas so far:
Leadership Team: An opportunity to build a resume, gain real-world experience, log volunteer/service hours, learn leadership, make friends, and make a difference in the world. This is the most likely first program we plan to initiate in the 26/27 school year. The idea is to host monthly meetings (food might be involved!) where teens will actually start, plan, and launch real events and opportunities through the IL HRC.
Clubs: Chess, robotics, young entrepreneurs, photography, homesteaders, debate, science, STEM, art, coding, history, Bible study, garden, sewing, cooking……..the list could go on and on, and we’re ready for it! This is definitely something missing in the homeschool world.
Competitions: It’s hard to compete with your 6 year old sister, right? But, the IL HRC could create an environment where teens can sharpen each other's skills and motivation through friendly competition. Think: scholastic bowl, Bible bowl, Math-a-letes, etc.
Apprenticeships: As teens approach adulthood and start looking toward the future, it can be hard to know what’s available for them to pursue as a career path. We believe the IL HRC could help teens make connections with businesses offering internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, or work place experience.
Social: Of course, we can’t overlook the importance of giving teens a space to hangout and build friendships and the IL HRC could provide a safe, Christian space to do so.
Interested?
We’d love to hear from families with middle or high school students.