My Hometown Hub
🎓 The Hidden Gap
According to the Illinois Report Card, only 4 out of 10 OPRFHS graduates enroll in college 12 months after graduation.
That leaves nearly 60% of students without a clear next step—and often, without support.
We believe they deserve more than a diploma. They deserve a path.
What is My Hometown Hub?
A community-grown mentorship pilot started by OPRFHS grads. We’re reconnecting alumni with the next generation through real-world conversations, job shadowing, and guidance—right here in our hometown.
**Supported by:**
Several Tradition of Excellence Award winners and dozens of proud OPRFHS alumni who believe in giving back to the next generation.
📊 The Reality Check: Where Are OPRFHS Grads Going?
**Only 42% of OPRFHS graduates enrolled in a 4-year college within 12 months of graduation.**
(Source: Illinois Report Card, 2023)
That means the majority are either:
– Enrolling in 2-year colleges
– Taking time off
– Working
– Or… just drifting without clarity.
**This is why My Hometown Hub exists.**
We help fill the “What now?” gap—so graduates gain clarity, confidence, and connection before making big decisions.
🕳 58% → No Clear Next Step (Workforce, Gap, Unknown)
🎓 42% → College Enrollment
“Not sure how involved you want to be? Don’t worry—we’ve made it flexible. Choose the tier that feels right for you.”
🥉 Bronze – Light Touch, Big Impact
For those who want to support without a major time commitment. These quick, flexible actions help us build momentum and visibility.
• I’m open to a short call or coffee with a student
• I’m open to sharing a short quote/story for materials
• I want to be notified of light, flexible mentorship moments
📞 ☕ ✍️
🥈 Silver – Student-Facing, Hands-On
For mentors who want direct contact with students—virtually or in-person. These experiences create real-world clarity and connection.
• I’m open to hosting a job shadow or visit (in-person, if local)
• I’m open to offering a virtual job shadow, career walk-through, or Q&A over Zoom
• I’m open to joining a panel, small group, or Q&A
• I’m open to being matched with a mentee
💼 🧭 👥
🥇 Gold – Shaping the Big Picture
For those who want to advise, amplify, or help shape what comes next. You’re part of the vision behind the movement.
• I’d be open to advising the team as the pilot takes shape
• I’d consider helping spread the word to other potential mentors
• I’d be open to helping shape the next version of the pilot program
📣 🧠 🧩
Voices That Believe
“Every young person always benefits from as much contact with as many adults as possible.”
— Nathan Dudley, Ed.D.
OPRFHS Class of 1978 | Tradition of Excellence Honoree
Founding Principal, New York Harbor School | Education Leader
“What you’re trying to accomplish is of great value to the community and the students. I’d be happy to mentor.”
— Scott McAdam
OPRFHS Alum | Local Business Leader & Tradition of Excellence Honoree
Past Rotary District Governor (District 6450, 2017–2018)
“We could find a way through Zoom or other tech to make this work—and have it be interactive and fun.”
— Kevin Biggins
OPRFHS Alum | Accomplished Writer, Comedian & Tradition of Excellence Honoree
“I love this idea and have often talked to people about the benefits of something like this.”
— Deno Andrews
OPRFHS Alum | Local Business Owner & Former Oak Park Trustee
Founder
“Happy to help and honored you’d think of me.”
— Mike Raspatello
OPRFHS Alum | Entertainment & Alcohol Industry Founder
Former Marketing Leader @ ZX Ventures & AB InBev
“As a younger person, I often hoped someone would help guide me through life. That’s why I’m passionate about mentoring now.”
— Nikola Milosavljevic
OPRFHS Alum | Mentor | Founder at NMFI Inc. & NM-ECOM
“Could your name go here next?”
— Future OPRF Legend?
👉 Add Your Voice to the Wall
(Seriously. It only takes 2 minutes—and looks great on your hometown karma résumé.)
Meet the Graduate: Full of Potential — Still Searching
They’ve checked the boxes. They’ve graduated. But clarity about what’s next still feels out of reach.
Community-Driven Mentorship & Career Exposure Pilot
Backed by alumni. Built for students.
Focused on real-world clarity and connection.
A Local Solution, Built for Real Life
MHH connects students with alumni and community mentors for real-world conversations, job shadowing, and guidance
that helps them explore careers and build confidence.
How It Works
Students are matched with alumni and local mentors who offer:
✔️ Real conversations about life after high school
✔️ A few hours of job shadowing or exposure
✔️ Ongoing encouragement and lived-wisdom
Mentorship That Starts Local — and Means
Career clarity through alumni stories, job shadowing, and lived guidance.
My Hometown Hub brings together three forces already rooted in our community:
🏫 the high school
🧑🤝🧑 a trusted group of alumni mentors
🤝 and informal civic allies who believe in local youth
Each plays a role — but the model is designed to be lean, student-centered, and ready to launch.
🏫 OPRF high school
Our community is filled with extraordinary people—successful across industries, generations, and walks of life. What if we channeled that energy toward our youngest?
We believe every great system starts with a clear entry point. At My Hometown Hub, we see OPRFHS as the launchpad. From there, we step in—connecting students through a structured, relationship-driven process that pairs each one with the right guide, at the right time.
🤝 informal civic allies who believe in local youth.
Neutral backbone + civic alignment
Supports coordination. Signals shared value. Creates space for alumni engagement.
👥 Alumni & Local Mentors
Lived wisdom, low-lift guidance
Offer career exposure, encouragement, and “what I wish I knew” stories.
Designed for Simplicity — and Scale
The beauty of this model is its simplicity.
It’s light-lift, low-cost, and community-powered.
Whether piloted with 5 students or 50, the structure stays the same — and the outcomes compound over time.
Community-Built. Student-Ready.
MHH is already backed by OPRFHS alumni — including award-winning educators, executives, and public servants — all eager to guide the next generation.
We’re ready to launch this pilot — together. Let’s make Oak Park a model for what’s possible.
Have a question? Want to chat?
You can send us a personal email or fill out our quick form below—whatever’s easier.
Early Signals: Momentum Is Building
Our OPRF pilot is gaining real momentum.
Award-winning alumni are stepping up as mentors.
Grads across industries and generations are re-engaging.
What’s next? Help shape what this becomes.
Let's Make This Real
The model is mapped. The mentors are in. Interest is growing.
With a little coordination, this pilot will launch this fall — giving students the clarity, confidence, and career exposure they deserve.
“Not a bot? Great. Fill out this form — tell us what’s on your mind, and we’ll be in touch.”