Current sophomores and juniors at Oak Park and River Forest High School can apply to be leaders in the Leadership and Launch Program for the 2026-2027 school year. The application window is open from November 1 to December 1, 2025.
To be considered, students must submit an application and complete an interest survey using their OPRFHS email address. Applicants will receive a confirmation email from Google Forms after submitting.
The Leadership and Launch program pairs selected students with freshmen as part of a peer mentoring model. Participants receive two elective credits—one per semester—and a grade. Enrollment in the class is by invitation following a selection process that includes a video application, criteria review, and group interview. Selected leaders work with freshmen in study halls and math classes throughout the school year to help build community and provide academic as well as social-emotional support.
Applications are reviewed by teachers, counselors, deans, social workers, coaches or advisors, and administrators. Attendance and grades are important factors in determining who will be invited to interview in January.
“Our school is composed of all types of people and experiences, and everyone brings something that makes it better. The students who work best with the freshmen as mentors are individuals who can bring multiple perspectives and ideas from their vast experiences at OPRFHS in academics, clubs, activities, athletics, and outside interests. Anyone who is a current sophomore or junior is encouraged to apply. You do not have to be recommended to apply.”
The timeline for the process includes the application period from November 1 through December 1; vetting applications between December 2-31; followed by invitations for interviews in January 2026.
Questions about the program can be directed via email to Mrs. Novotny (mnovotny@oprfhs.org), Mr. Hoerster (jhoerster@oprfhs.org), or Mr. Singletary (rsingletary@oprfhs.org).
Oak Park and River Forest High School serves grades nine through twelve with an enrollment of nearly 3,400 students during the 2019-2020 school year according to data from the Illinois Report Card https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. Of those enrolled that year, about one-quarter were sophomores—the largest grade-level group https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/School.aspx?schoolid=060162000130001—with juniors representing just over one-fourth as well https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/School.aspx?schoolid=060162000130001/. The student body is diverse: approximately 57 percent white students, 18 percent black students, nearly 13 percent Hispanic students, and almost four percent Asian students https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
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