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Empower Chicago's Youth Through Mentorship

Together Chicago’s mentorship program connects dedicated mentors with students in high-need communities across Chicago. Through one-on-one and group mentorship, our goal is to provide social-emotional support, academic encouragement, and community connections for young people who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

Whether supporting a high school student in North Lawndale or an elementary student on the South side, you can make a difference in a young person’s life.

2-Hour Per Week Commitment

Your time investment of just two hours per week can make a life-changing impact, providing mentorship and guidance to students in need of support.

School-Based & Community Expansion Opportunities

As a mentor, you will have the chance to engage with students in school settings while also contributing to broader community-driven initiatives for youth development.

Training & Support Provided

We equip all mentors with ongoing training, resources, and a strong support network to ensure you feel confident and prepared to make a meaningful difference.

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How Mentorship Works

Phase 1: School-Based Mentorship

  • Mentors meet with students during the school day for structured check-ins.
  • Focus areas: academic guidance, emotional support, social skill development.
  • Sessions are held at the student’s school for 2 hours per week.

Phase 2: Family & Community Engagement

  • Once a school-based relationship is established, mentors have the opportunity to connect with students’ families.
  • This opens doors for expanded mentorship beyond the school setting, ensuring holistic support.

Where Can You Mentor?

North Lawndale:

High school students

South side (various schools):

Elementary students

We will match you with a student in an area of your choice. After completing the mentor application, a team member will contact you with further details, background check requirements, and onboarding instructions.

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From CPS CEO Pedro Martinez:

“Participating in the Together Chicago panel energized me. The collaboration I saw between school leaders, faith-based organizations, and other community partners made me feel confident that our students will be able to reach their full potential through support both from CPS and their broader communities. I am excited to see the Together Chicago pilot sites expand to ensure that more students, especially on the South and West Sides, receive the mentorship and guidance they need to excel academically and develop into the future leaders of our city.”

Volunteer at Lovett Elementary School:

“I truly appreciate the insight I have been able to gain from communicating and establishing relationships with all the students I engage with. The interactions and topics of discussion I have had with the students has checked a lot of my biases and its encouraged me to be a critically and racially/culturally aware individual outside the setting of Lovett as well.”

Volunteer Tutor:

“Although these kids are so young, they deal with many difficulties outside of school. Sometimes I feel like I don’t have the right things to say back to them, but I believe that giving them that safe space to just release their thoughts and refocus their attention is beneficial.”

Volunteer Mentor:

“Since I’ve been involved in mentoring at a local school, I’ve learned to be more patient and understanding.”

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Be a part of this collective effort to improve educational outcomes

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