Mentor A Chicago Teen And Make A Difference

ABOUT MINDS MATTER CHICAGO

Minds Matter connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. Minds Matter is a national organization with chapters in 14 cities across the country.

Minds Matter Chicago supports students as they grow both personally and academically, helping them build confidence, strengthen their skills, and explore opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings. We work with highly motivated students who are committed to earning a college degree and believe that financial circumstances should not limit access to higher education.

We partner with schools across Chicago who nominate high-performing sophomores to apply to the program. Interested students complete a selective application process that includes recommendations and an interview. Those accepted are paired with two mentors who support them over a three-year period. These mentors, who are college-educated professionals, serve as consistent guides and role models, often maintaining lasting relationships with students well beyond the program.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER MENTOR TODAY!

Looking for a meaningful way to give back while developing your own leadership, coaching, and communication skills?

Become a volunteer mentor with Minds Matter Chicago and build a meaningful, long-term relationship with an ambitious high school student as they navigate high school, prepare for college, explore careers, and imagine what is possible for their future.

As a mentor, you will be paired with a student and serve as a consistent source of encouragement, perspective, accountability, and support throughout their high school journey. You do not need to be a teacher, counselor, or college admissions expert. You simply need to be willing to listen, learn, show up consistently, and invest in a young person's potential.

This Opportunity Is Perfect For:

• Young professionals looking for a meaningful way to give back
• Graduate students and early-career professionals
• Mid-career and experienced professionals interested in mentoring the next generation
• Professionals across business, technology, healthcare, education, law, finance, nonprofit, government, the arts, and other industries
• Individuals interested in strengthening their coaching, communication, and leadership skills
• People who benefited from a mentor and want to pay that experience forward
• Anyone passionate about helping ambitious high school students pursue their college and career goals

No previous mentoring or education experience is required. Minds Matter Chicago provides training, resources, and ongoing support to help mentors succeed.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

Mentoring is an investment in a student, but it is also an opportunity for tremendous personal and professional growth.

As a Minds Matter Chicago mentor, you'll strengthen skills in

• Coaching and active listening
• Relationship-building
• Leadership and communication
• Goal setting and accountability
• Giving constructive feedback
• College and career exploration
• Problem-solving
• Supporting and motivating others

These are skills that translate across industries and leadership roles, whether you are managing a team, working with clients, building community, or preparing for the next stage of your career.

TIME COMMITTMENT

Mentors should be prepared to commit to

• 3 hours per week
• Weekly Saturday program sessions during the academic year
• Regular communication and relationship-building with their mentee
• Mentor training and occasional volunteer meetings or special events

The time you give each week can have an impact that lasts far beyond Saturday.

READY TO MAKE AN IMPACT?

• You do not need to have all the answers.
• You do not need to work in education.
• You do not need to have been a mentor before.
• You just need to be willing to show up, listen, encourage, and believe in a young person's potential.

Join Minds Matter Chicago as a volunteer mentor and become part of a community helping ambitious students turn their goals into possibilities and their possibilities into futures.

If you have questions about mentoring or would like to learn more before applying, we'd love to connect.

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