Swish Dreams leader Kenya Mercer (second from right) talks with program participants (from left) Jeremiah Freeman, Andre Illidge and London Gillespie about the program banquet. The program, held at Arthur Ashe School on Chicago’s South Side, combines academic and basketball instruction. Photo by Kevin Beese/for Chronicle Media

Eleven-year-old Andre Illidge is confident in his abilities as a dual threat.

Both on the basketball court and in the classroom, Illidge is always looking to achieve. That is why he loves Swish Dreams, a summer program where fifth- through eighth-graders work on improving their academics as well as their basketball skills.

“I have friends who can play basketball but they’re not strong in school; and I have other friends who are good in school but not good at basketball,” said Illidge, who will be a sixth-grader when the next school year starts. “I know how to do both. I am strong in the classroom and on the basketball court.”

Conducted at Arthur Ashe Elementary School on Chicago’s South Side, the six-week Swish Dreams program just completed its sixth camp. Youths got instruction in math and reading as well as basketball. There was also a cheerleading camp for girls.

Illidge said the Swiss Dream program, started by insurance agent Josh Mercer, means a lot to him.

“I support education, being involved in an education program rather than just playing basketball all day,” Illidge said.

It was Illidge’s second year at the summer camp. He said he plans to attend the educational and basketball program for as long as he is able.

London Gillespie, also 11, was a first-time attendee at the camp.  She was part of the Swish Dreams program for cheerleaders.

“I really liked cheerleading camp and doing language arts and math,” Gillespie said. “It had everyone thinking. It was exciting.

“We did have fun and did fun things, but the camp is also geared toward instilling character.”

The soon-to-be sixth-grader, who wants to be a forensic scientist or coroner when she grows up, said the camp also helped with problem-solving skills.

“It made me come up with solutions,” said the Chicago girl, who came all the way from near the Evanston border to attend the camp.

Kenya Mercer, wife of the program founder, said Swish Dreams shows kids there are more ways to make it than just being a professional basketball player.

“A lot of them think they are going to go to the NBA. The odds of getting to the NBA are very, very small,” Mercer said. “We show them that there are other things they can do, They can be a coach, an owner, personnel director, trainer. There are other options.”

Youths all get drafted onto a team and learn about talking to the media, handling finances and how to do statistics. They each sign a contract which spells out how they can make – and lose – Swiss bucks (used for prizes at the end of camp). There are rules about showing up on time and speaking out in class. Violations of the rules can cost campers Swiss bucks.

“We have seen their school work improve a lot because of their work at camp,” Mercer said.

Jeremiah Freeman, 14, who will be entering Homewood-Flossmoor High School in the fall, agreed, saying the summer sessions kept education concepts fresh in youths’ minds.

“I come here and I learn things,” Freeman said. “My friends are left out (on education). I like that they teach us during the summer. School comes first.”

Freeman, who was the top-ranked eighth-grader in the state in track, said Swish Dreams instills life lessons as well as academics.

“They make sure we don’t fall on the bad path,” Freeman said.

Planning to be a coach and firefighter, Freeman said he really appreciated the education component of the program. He said while friends are spending their summer playing video games, he was happy to be learning.

“I loved coming here and keeping up on education,” Freeman said. “I liked the coaches. They kept you level-headed.”

— Swish Dreams program looks to have kids soar —