School Based Tutor and/or Mentor Programs Serving Chicago Area
ASPIRA INC. OF ILLINOIS - YOUTH DEVELOPMENT CENTER
https://aspirail.org/youth-development-center/21st-century-programs-high-school/
ASPIRA of Illinois operates a variety of youth development programs in partnership with Chicago Public Schools. This link points to their 21st Century Community Learning Center.
BIG SHOULDERS FUND - STOCK MARKET PROGRAM
http://bigshouldersfund.org/our-programs/stock-market-program/
From the web site: "Big Shoulders Fund developed the Stock Market Program to bring business professionals into eighth grade classrooms to teach basic concepts related to the stock market, investing, and careers in business. Under the leadership of Big Shoulders Fund Directors Charlie Bobrinskoy and Jim Hoeg, students in the program build a virtual portfolio tied to actual financial incentives for their school. Starting with 12 schools back in 2007, the program has expanded to 61 schools by the 2018-2019 school year."
BLACK STAR PROJECT - FOCUS ON EDUCATION FOR YOUTH IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES
https://www.blackstarproject.org/programs
This page provides a description of five Black Star Project youth programs including the Phillip Jackson Youth Mentoring Program, Homework Help and Tutoring, Young Black Men of Honor and more.
BOUNCE FOR JOY PROJECT
http://www.bounceforjoyproject.org/our-work
From the web site: "Our program is an adult-supervised mentors in art, fitness and stem activities mobile program. BFJP concept is delivered on-site in schools, summer camps, churches and community centers, which we provide 6 or 8 weeks three component program. The program includes mentoring art, fitness internship, and college prep for ages 16-18 that challenge youth. BFJP mentor and arts programs educate youth on how to relieve stress and anger. We raise awareness of solutions on early intervention in stress relief, anxiety and anger management."
DREAMS FOR KIDS – PART OF GCE LAB SCHOOL
https://gcelabschool.org/2021/02/exciting-things-to-come-for-gce-lab-school-and-dreams-for-kids/
https://dreamsforkids.org/
From the website: “Dreams for Kids has helped develop young social entrepreneurs for many years. In 2021 the program merged with GCE Lab School which will expand the impact of the Dream Leaders program and bring back the Dreams for Kids award-winning “We are the Change” Conferences.“
CHANGING WORLDS - AFTERSCHOOL ARTS AND WRITING PROGRAMS
https://www.changingworlds.org/our-impact/
From the web site: "Changing Worlds exists to foster inclusive communities through oral history, writing and art programs that improve student learning, affirm identity and enhance cross-cultural understanding. Our programming integrates writing, oral history, drama, dance and visual art into uniquely designed curriculums to examine culture, family history and community. This dynamic approach helps participants explore their own backgrounds, promotes cultural understanding and strengthens academic and artistic skills. Our Teaching Artists and Literacy Specialists bring a wealth of professional experience to the classroom and after-school setting. They introduce students to unique cultural perspectives through their artistic mediums and approaches to writing."
CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARIES OFFER DROP IN HOMEWORK HELP
https://www.chipublib.org/news/free-homework-help/
From the web site: "Since Sept. 2017 drop-in homework help is available for children and their parents at CPL locations citywide. Certified teachers and trained homework helpers get kids focused and help them find the right learning strategies and the best resources for finishing their homework assignments."
CIRCLE URBAN MINISTRIES - AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOOD
https://circleurban.org/ministries/youth-program/
From the web site: "Circle Urban Ministries addresses the issue of low standardized test scores using three interrelated strategies that include Self-Image Building, Language and Literacy Development and Life Skills Training. Circle Urban Ministries’ coaches and mentors go above and beyond the traditional expectations to prepare students for success, both academically and socially. We work with great tenacity to overcome the challenges of Academic Shut-Down." Programs are offered at local elementary and high schools. The C4S After school & Summer Enrichment Programs are fee-based and serves scholars from age 5-13. Visit web site to see description of the problem, their solution and their program model.
COOL CLASSICS - A READING PROGRAM
https://coolclassicschicago.org/
From the web site: "Cool Classics! works with public elementary school students to promote critical thinking and a love of literature. We focus on just one classic book at a time, and in 20 to 25 sessions of varied activities, we build a universe of art, culture, humanities, and thematic ideas around that book. Literally, our students are led to experience how the text of a book opens up a whole world of creative imagination, sharpening the skills one needs for succeeding in the real world."
COPS & KIDS CHESS INITIATIVE - CHICAGO
https://rknights.org/checkmate-violence/
From the web site: "The Chicago Public Schools and Renaissance Knights Chess Foundation, in partnership with the Chicago Police Department, developed the Cops & Kids Chess initiative as a year-round after-school program for elementary and high school students which includes a tournament with police officers and student players. The program is intended to promote non-violence and increase positive relationships with youth and police officers while utilizing the game of chess as the vehicle for engagement."
GIRLS RULE - INFORMAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR GIRLS 7-18
http://www.girlz-rule.org/about.html
From the web site: "Girls Rule! is a goal driven organization whose mission is to empower and aid in the self development of young ladies, ages 7 – 18 who reside in urban communities. Girls Rule! develops research-based informal education programs that encourage girls to take risks and master physical, intellectual and emotional challenges. Major programs address math and science education, pregnancy, drug abuse and HIV prevention, leadership, media literacy, economic literacy, adolescent health, violence prevention and healthy lifestyles."
LION'S PRIDE MENTORING - SCHOOL BASED PEER MENTORING
https://www.lionprideinc.org/
Lion's Pride Mentoring was formed in 2017 at Baker College Prep and has spread to other Chicago schools. It became a non-profit in 2019. It provides leadership development and college and career skills to upper-grade students who then become peer mentors to freshmen.
MALE MOGUL INITIATIVE - MENTORING
https://malemogulinitiative.org/
From the web site: "The Male Mogul Initiative seeks to transform under resourced communities by offering youth and returning citizens leadership and entrepreneurial training. Our potential customers will hold qualities of achieving economic freedom, possess leadership qualities, creativity, and ambition. These men will also share an interest in business. The selling point for potential participants will be the opportunity to use their gifts and skill sets to create a business with unlimited profit potential, improving the community in which they live, and financial freedom."
MATH MOTIVATORS TUTORING PROGRAM
https://www.actuarialfoundation.org/math-motivators-tutoring-program/
This program was launched in Connecticut and came to Chicago in 2017. It operates in one school thus far. Here's a description from the web site: "The Math Motivators program relies solely on professional actuaries and college student volunteers. The students served do not have access to tutoring, or cannot afford it. The Math Motivators Program provides math tutoring in the high schools, free of charge."
PROJECT EXPLORATION - FOCUS ON STEM PROGRAMS
https://projectexploration.org/school-based-programs/
From the web site: "Since 1999, Project Exploration has provided a variety of out-of-school-time programs in science, technology and engineering for underrepresented youth in grades 6-12. The program’s skilled facilitators and professionals mentor and lead students in hands-on group activities, introducing them to topics that they find interesting and exciting. This science-rich education addresses challenges to equity, access, and opportunity in public education, higher education, and the professional STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) environment."
READING IN MOTION
https://www.readinginmotion.org/aspire-school-literacy-program
From the web site: "Reading In Motion’s goal is to get every student reading at grade level or above during their early years, especially students whose environment or other circumstances put them in greater need of support. To accomplish this, the organization partners with schools and teachers to deliver an engaging and innovative reading curriculum, in both English and Spanish, together with our on-site specialized coaches to inspire students to learn and teachers to grow."
REAL YOUTH PROGRAM
http://www.realprogram.org/about.htm
From the web site: "REAL is a Chicago-based, youth-centered program designed to assist children and adolescents in developing critical thinking and effective communication skills needed for life-long learning and success both in and out of school. REAL understands the importance of helping young people find a voice and perceiving themselves, as well as others, as fully human with an innate ability to be viable change agents in their respective communities and in their own lives. REAL offers young people a safe space, within the school environment, to interpret and express who they are by way of arts-based projects, critical literacy activities, and life-skills curriculum. Through dialogue and artistic expression, students become more aware of how to identify and confront personal and social challenges. In the words of one of our student founders, “REAL is a medium of expression for the previously unexpressed.”
RENAISSANCE KNIGHTS CHESS FOUNDATION
https://rknights.org/
From the web site: "It is the mission of the Renaissance Knights, an educational organization, to bring the many educational benefits of chess to children and young people throughout the Chicago area by providing a complete chess curriculum, enrichment programs, tournaments and events." Browse the web site to learn more. Our program is specifically designed to cultivate progressive learning for 21st century students and the skills the students acquire are imperative for them to succeed in school and for their future success in the global information society. We use chess as a powerful learning tool to assist students with grasping math concepts more quickly and improving their aptitude for reading comprehension."
RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AND MENTORING PROGRAM
https://www.d234.org/student-life/mentoring-program/
From the web site: "The goal of the Mentoring & Leadership Program at Ridgewood High School is to establish a tiered -network for increased student support and achievement using the unique architecture of engaged community volunteers and stakeholders." Open the PDF brochure on the side to find more descriptive information.
SGA YOUTH&FAMILY SERVICES-ROSELAND CHILDREN'S INITIATIVE
https://www.sga-youth.org/services/
From the web site: "With a 105-year history of providing innovative, no cost, comprehensive services in the greater Chicago area, SGA continuously works to help children, families and communities who are facing great challenges to realize their potential. Our services are provided through four program areas, including Youth/Family, Youth Justice, Schools and Community. Services are provided throughout three regions in the greater Chicago area - West, South and City-Wide. SGA helps break the cycle of adversity and provide families with enough opportunity to change their lives and their communities. Our Cycle of Opportunity is passed down through generations, building strong foundations for families in the communities we serve."
SPARK - THE POSSIBILITY MOVEMENT - WORKS WITH MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
http://sparkprogram.org/learn/our-organization/chicago-region/
From the web site: "Spark engages communities to provide career exploration and self-discovery opportunities that help middle school students understand, experience and pursue what’s possible. Works with students in Chicago public schools.
THE BLOC - TUTORING MENTORING AND BOXING
https://www.theblocchicago.org/
The Bloc uses boxing to attract teens least likely to join tutoring and mentoring groups. Operates in schools on Chicago's West side.
THE SUPPORT GROUP
https://thesupportgroup.org/index.php
From the web site: "The Support Group (TSG) is a nonprofit organization servicing Chicago-Land under-served youth from diverse backgrounds and communities since 1989. TSG provides youth with invaluable experiences that will assist them in reaching their full potential, while arming them with tools and skills needed to matriculate post-secondary education, the workforce and beyond. The Support Group is the brain-child of the Executive Director, Bennie Henry in collaboration with NBA legend Tim Hardaway. This important work began in 1989 when Mr. Henry worked with many Chicago-land NBA potential stars equipping them with the tools not only to succeed on the court but to succeed in life. With his passion, drive, and his commitment to the community, Mr. Henry engaged players such as Juwan Howard, Michael Finley, Antoine Walker, and many others. The Support Group has touched thousands of lives throughout its 26 years of service in the community."
TRUE STAR MEDIA & FOUNDATION
https://truestarfoundation.org/
From the web site: "True Star programs are hosted in conjunction with our core partners After School Matters and Chicago Public Schools. We are a nonprofit multimedia organization that offers Chicago teens innovative out-of-school activities. True Star Media programs are designed to teach valuable skills that are transferable to the workplace and ultimately raise the bar for future expectations. True Star serves a minimal of 150 students during each 10-week session throughout all its programs. Sessions include fall, spring and summer, which are six weeks long. Students commit to one out of the seven programs per session. Each program has a student teacher ratio of 15/1."
URBAN ALLIANCE - INTERNSHIP, TRAINING, MENTORING
https://www.urbanalliance.org/for-young-adults/high-school-students/
From the web site: "Urban Alliance partners with businesses to empower under-resourced youth to aspire, work and succeed through paid internships, formal training and mentorship. Our goal is to give youth access to opportunity for professional growth and experiences."
URBAN INITIATIVES - YOUTH SOCCER
https://urbaninitiatives.org/what-we-do/
From the web site: "Our mission is to empower Chicago’s youth to become agents of community change through academic success, healthy living, and leadership development. We drive systemic change by connecting stakeholders and strengthening the social fabric of the community. Work to Play, our flagship program, provides children in grades K-4 with the chance to belong to a soccer team, regardless of skill level. Children are taught important lessons about health, character, and teamwork by their coach. Membership means two practices and one game per week throughout the school year. Ongoing team participation depends on meeting academic and behavioral standards, as measured by their teachers on a weekly basis."
Y.E.M.B.A. MENTORING AND BASKETBALL
https://www.yemba-inc.org/programs
From the web site: "Our Mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for positive personal development and growth; employing a curriculum that will empower our youth mentally, spiritually and physically. The program operates on the far West Side of Chicago. YEMBA’s Mentoring Empowerment Program is designed to provide students with a solid transitional foundation throughout middle school for social emotional learning (SEL) and character development. The ultimate goal is to ensure that not only are the mentees armed with the knowledge, leadership skills, and decision making tools to support a successful transition from an elementary school environment to a middle school system and educational culture – but also for them to flourish and excel throughout the remainder of their scholastic career, well into adulthood."
YOUTH GUIDANCE
https://www.youth-guidance.org/
From the web site: "At Youth Guidance, we believe that no matter what challenges a young person faces, they are more likely to succeed when they have many caring adults in their lives. Our highly trained staff works directly with schools, parents and families to meet kids where they are—physically within schools, socially and emotionally—and help them break cycles of violence, overcome life and academic obstacles, make positive choices, and remain on the right path towards life success. Youth Guidance serves more than 8,000 students in Chicago’s schools. More than 95% of our students are African-American and Hispanic/Latino. Most reside in low income communities." Visit the web site to review the range of programs and determine what schools are being served.