Together Chicago is making a meaningful impact on the lives of students at Pirie Elementary School through our Education Initiatives mentoring program. Now in its second year, the program focuses on supporting 10 to 15 boys with a blend of physical activity, personal development discussions, and in-class interventions.
Every week, the mentorship sessions last an hour and five minutes, starting with 30 minutes of free time in the gym. During this time, students play sports as they like, creating an opportunity for mentors to connect individually with participants as needed. The session then transitions into the classroom, where students enjoy snacks and engage in group discussions led by mentors, guided by the SEL-Plus curriculum, designed to foster emotional and social growth.
In addition to weekly mentoring sessions, program interns provide intervention support in classrooms two to three times a week. These interns, who typically are graduate students in social work or counseling, collaborate closely with teachers and counselors to assist during class and offer extra attention to students in the mentorship program.
This January, as the nation celebrates National Mentor Month, Together Chicago takes pride in recognizing the power of mentorship. With a holistic approach that integrates recreation, education, and emotional support, we aim to empower Pirie Elementary students to reach their full potential.
Interested in supporting this program? Sign up to be a mentor here. If you’d like to support our mentors, here is how.
Questions? Contact Ar’Monii Price at [email protected]