Volunteer-Based Tutor/Mentor Programs serving Chicago South Central Area

 

ADA S. MCKINLEY YOUTH ACADEMIC PROGRAM
https://www.adasmckinley.org/services/educational-services/
From the web site: "Ada S. McKinley offers Early Intervention tutoring, test preparation, and life-planning counseling to middle school students to help them catch up to and exceed grade-level performance, take the steps to stay on track through high school towards their desired career, and to dream of and prepare for college."

 

ARAB AMERICAN ACTION NETWORK - AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
https://aaan.org/programs/childrens-services/
From the web site: "The program comprises of staff, interns and volunteers providing homework assistance, tutoring and mentoring for elementary school students. The program provides a positive environment for youth ages six to twelve where they meet role models who strongly encourage them and enjoy a myriad of activities such as science experiments, field trips and arts and crafts.

 

AUTOMOTIVE MENTORING GROUP (AMG)
https://www.facebook.com/Automotive-Mentoring-Group-189970774406311/
Automotive Mentoring Group helps under-served youth and adults develop work and life skills as they restore classic cars. AMG helps participants earn HS diplomas, enroll in colleges, obtain jobs and apprenticeships in the auto industry.

 

BIG BUDDIES YOUTH SERVICES, INC
http://www.auburngreshamportal.org/directory/3422
From the web site: "Services include educational, social, cultural, and charitable services to youth and their families as a preventive approach to fighting juvenile delinquency. Through Academic Enrichment, Parent Support, Tutorial, Academic Advisement, and Cultural Enrichment Programs Bug Buddies Youth Services, Inc. is leading the way to redeeming our youth and brightening our future."

 

BRIGHT STAR COMMUNITY OUTREACH REIMAGINE MENTORING PROGRAM
https://www.brightstarcommunityoutreach.com/pagere
From the web site: "BSCO’s Mentoring component is designed to both: provide a safe environment for children and youth to enhance their academic and social emotional growth; and to increase the positive attributes of our children and youth through providing them with positive role models that will follow-up with them to ensure they are making the best decisions for their future.  BSCO accomplishes this goal through a mix of in-school, after-school, and out-of-school services.  Through its many offerings, BSCO serves over 200 children and youth annually."

 

CHICAGO URBAN LEAGUE -EDUCATIONPROGRAMS
https://chiul.org/program/youth/
From the web site: "The Chicago Urban League offers a comprehensive set of age-appropriate programs that includes small group sessions, one-on-one meetings, academic enrichment and job readiness assistance. We meet students where they are and aim to help them thrive academically, socially and emotionally, with the goal of preparing them to compete in a fast-paced and an increasingly global economy."

 

CHICAGO YOUTH (VIRTUAL) PROGRAMS
https://chicagoyouthprograms.org/programs/
From the web site: "CYP's programs engage youth throughout Chicago long-term, from preschool to college. At each academic and developmental level, program volunteers and staff, develop interventions aimed at helping at-risk youth learn grade appropriate concepts. By combining these educational interventions with a wide variety of recreational, social, health, and career programs, CYP creates its comprehensive formula for success.  Most programming is now done on-line."

 

CHINESE AMERICAN SERVICE LEAGUE - YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
https://www.caslservice.org/youth/
From the web site: "The Youth Development Program provides a safe, supervised, and welcoming environment that supports the holistic development of youth in grades 6th through 12th—particularly Chinese immigrant and American-born Chinese teens. Middle and high school teens learn leadership skills, engage in community activities, experience a sense of belonging, and become ready to make healthy, responsible choices in their lives."

 

FIRMAN COMMUNITY SERVICES - SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM
http://www.firmancs.org/programs_sa.html
From the web site: "School-Age is an after-school program that provides educational support, cultural enrichment, and recreational development activities to student ages 6 - 12. It’s open five-days-a-week and full-time during the summer and on school holidays. The program is for low-income parents who are either working, in school, or job training."

 

FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN - CHICAGO
https://friendschicago.org/about
The national Friends of the Children began more than 20 years ago and is a unique model where paid "friends" and the organization, stick with youth for 12 or more years. The Chicago chapter started in 2018.

 

FUTURE TIES AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
https://futureties.org/about-us/#afterSchool
From the website:  Future Ties, located in Parkway Gardens area, provides homework help and after school activities five days per week, as well as a summer camp when school is not in session. The academic mentorship that Future Ties provides helps young people achieve grades and test scores high enough to be admitted to test-in high schools around the city."

 

GADS HILL CENTER - BUILDING LEADERS PROGRAM
https://gadshillcenter.org/youth-services
From the web site: "Building Leaders is designed for students ages 13 through high school graduation with the desire and potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic support, parent education, and highly individualized assistance to help teens graduate high school and enter college prepared to succeed. The STEAM-focused program provides hands-on learning experience in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. An out-of-school time academic enrichment program, Building Leaders is free, open after school through 7pm, and is located at Gads Hill Center's site in Pilsen. A Junior Building Leaders Program is an after school program for children ages 5-12 in the Pilsen, North Lawndale, and South Lawndale communities."

 

GUITARS OVER GUNS - RISE CHICAGO ARTS MENTORING PROGRAM
https://www.guitarsoverguns.org/chicago/
From the website: "Guitars Over Guns’ RISE program (Reach. Inspire. Support. Empower.) is a twist on your typical young professionals board experience. In addition to creating a platform that connects a network of fun, dedicated, socially conscious professionals, RISE aims to provide continued mentorship to graduates of Guitars Over Guns’ middle school programming as they adjust to high school, plan for their futures and explore unique school and work paths that lead to post-secondary success.

 

HORIZONS CHICAGO - PART OF NATIONAL NETWORK
https://www.horizonsnational.org/about/communities/illinois/
From the web site: "Horizons is a high-quality learning experience, outside of traditional school time, that supports students from low-income families over the course of their Pre-K–12 academic careers. Horizons students attend a six-week summer program on the campus of an independent school, college, or university, and receive additional support throughout the year. By design, you’ll find Horizons programs on independent school, college, and university campuses, rather than in familiar public schools. Horizons makes retention a priority, resulting in average student and staff retention of over 80% annually across the network. Many families are involved for decades as younger siblings make their way through the program and graduates return to volunteer or teach at Horizons." Mentors are peer students, paid teachers, etc.

 

HYDE PARK ART CENTER - EDUCATION PROGRAMS
https://www.hydeparkart.org/education/
From the web site: "At Hyde Park Art Center you will find out-of-school youth classes for a range of younger students, which typically meet after school or on Saturdays. Our Teen Programs offer tuition-free opportunities for south side youth to develop inside of meaningful environment and grow with a supportive group of peers." Visit the web site to learn more.

 

INSTITUTO DEL PROGRESO LATINO - SUPPORT FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
https://www.institutochicago.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=372467&type=d&pREC_ID=837915
From the web site: "Instituto operates two public charter high schools that serve nearly 1,000 Chicago students annually with unique curriculum, extensive supportive systems, and high expectations. Find out more about the Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy (IHSCA) and the Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy (IJLA). Instituto also offers a variety of opportunities for any high school student to join us after school and during the summer for a safe and supportive environment. Students from both Instituto schools and the local community join us for activities such as dance and art programs as well as substantial academic tutoring and college preparation programs. Through our Escalera College Bridge program, Instituto offers additional support to our students beginning in middle school and early in high school, and following them through college enrollment and beyond."

 

K.L.E.O. COMMUNITY FAMILY LIFE CENTER
http://thekleocenter.org/programs/
From the web site: "KLEO offers a dependable, caring environment and diverse positive outlets for adolescent’s and teens whose life have been impacted by poverty, teen pregnancy, gangs and other challenges. KLEO participates in The Safe Haven program of Chicago Public Schools and the Mayor's Mentoring Initiative."

 

KENWOOD-OAKLAND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION-YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
https://kocoonline.org/youth-development/
From the web site: "KOCO's Youth Development Programs cultivate the innate leadership capabilities of youth while providing academic enrichment, social development, and cultural awareness. Since 1997, the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization's Academic and Cultural Enrichment (A.C.E.) Program has taken a multi-faceted approach to youth development."

 

LADIES OF VIRTUE MENTORING
https://www.lovchicago.org/
From the web site: "Our mission is to instill purpose, passion, and perseverance in girls, ages 9 to 18, while preparing them for college, careers and to become change agents in their communities.

 

NEW LIFE CENTERS  - LITTLE VILLAGE AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER PROGRAMS
https://newlifecenters.org/en/programs/la-semilla
This is one of five New Life Centers locations in Chicago where youth in different age groups receive a wide variety of homework help and academic enrichment. 

OPERATION LINK-UP TEEN MENTORING MINISTRIES
http://www.oluteens.com/web/pageid/30289/pages.asp
From the web site: "Operation Link-Up is a mentoring and empowerment program that ministers to the holistic needs youth between the ages of twelve and eighteen living southwest side of Chicago! We provide our ministry services to teens who desire to excel spiritually, academically, in the arts and socially."

PROJECT VISION
https://projectvisionchicago.org/
From the web site: "Project VISION is a grassroots nonprofit organization with a mission to provide youth of Chicago’s Chinatown and Bridgeport communities with tools for educational, personal, and civic development."

PUI TAK CENTER TUTORING PROGRAM
https://www.puitak.org/children-and-youth
From the web site: "Pui Tak Center is a church-based community center. Our programs focus on serving the 30,000 Chinese living in the Greater Chinatown community which includes Armour Square (Chinatown), Bridgeport, McKinley Park, Brighton Park, Canaryville, and South Loop communities. Pui Tak’s Youth Program offers teenagers in Chinatown different programs to meet their academic and social needs."

 

SALVATION ARMY MENTORING & CHARACTER BUILDING PROGRAMS IN ENGLEWOOD
https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/redshield/celebrate-launch-and-landing/
The Salvation Army offers a variety of  programs at its Red Shield Center in Englewood that are intended to "help motivate, encourage and empower youth to be the best they can be and to seek out ways to reach their goals".

 

SOUTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY SERVICES
https://www.sccsinc.org/post/south-central-after-school-program
From the web site: "The primary communities served by SCCS are: Avalon Park, Burnside, Chatham, Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing, Auburn Gresham, Roseland and South Shore. Based in some of Chicago’s most destitute and disadvantaged neighborhoods, South Central’s staff, continues to diligently address the myriad of economic, educational, psychological and social challenges confronting its constituents. The Educational Services Department provides academic instruction, independent living and vocational skills, advocacy and supportive services to clients pre-school to young adult."

SPASH! CHICAGO - SERVES HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
https://splashchicago.learningu.org/
From the web site: "Splash! Chicago offers free programs for high school students featuring classes designed and taught by University of Chicago students on anything from squids to the philosophy of superheroes! Our goal is to promote a love of learning and a love of teaching. We run two one-day programs: one in the fall (Droplet) and one in the spring (Splash!) and one five-week program in the winter (Cascade)."

 

U.N.I.O.N. IMPACT CENTER - MENTORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
http://www.unionimpactcenter.org/mentorship/
From the web site: "Our primary objective is to implement preventive programs to curve violence in the Back of the Yards neighborhood and neighboring communities. We offer a variety of programs and services for youth and families.”

Volunteer-Based Tutoring and/or Mentoring Programs serving youth in Central area of Chicago.

BBF / BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES CENTER FOR THE ARTS MENTORING PROGRAM - NORTH LAWNDALE
https://bbfcenterforthearts.org/mentoring-program/
From the web site: "BBF's L.E.A.D. Mentoring Program matches youth (ages thirteen to twenty-four years of age in at-risk or acutely high-risk situations with thoughtful and accomplished mentors". This is one of many youth programs offered

 

BLESSED SACRAMENT YOUTH CENTER - SUMMIT TUTORING
https://www.bsyc.org/
Blessed Sacrament Youth Center (BSYC) is a youth development program located on the west side of Chicago in the North Lawndale neighborhood. The center is celebrating its 17 year anniversary.   BSYC started when volunteers and youth renovated an unused parish building. The center opened with a basketball hoop, a ping pong table and 10 youth members. Today, BSYC has over 300 registered youth who participate in center activities which include tutoring, basketball, computer lab, arts & crafts, roller blading and participation in job training programs.

 

BREAKTHROUGH URBAN MINISTRIES YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
https://breakthrough.org/programs/breakthrough-beyond/
From the web site: "Every day, Breakthrough surrounds youth with a network of caring adults to support their growth and expand their opportunities. The relationships that youth build with these adults provide positive influence and can make a huge difference in the life of a child. Breakthrough’s youth initiatives include preschool, middle and high school academic enrichment and spiritual development activities, along with athletic programs to engage youth physically."

 

BUILD - BROADER URBAN INVOLVEMENT/LEADERSHIP DEV
https://www.buildchicago.org/building-futures-education/
From the web site: "Since 1969, BUILD has focused our efforts and resources on Chicago’s most violent neighborhoods in order to change the status quo that has already taken too many young lives. We accomplish our mission through violence prevention/intervention, youth development, and coalition building. Over the years, we have taken the best elements of our program experience and created THE BUILD MODEL." Visit web site to learn more.

 

CASA CENTRAL’S YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED
https://www.casacentral.org/our-programs/youth-opportunities-unlimited/
From the web site: "Casa Central transforms lives and offers community support, with a special focus on Hispanics. Our network of social services propels children and youth, individuals and families, and seniors toward self-sufficiency and a higher quality of life.

The Youth Opportunities Unlimited program (Y.O.U.) provides year round, out-of-school time programming for students ages 14–18. The after school program helps youth improve academic performance, enhance workforce development skills, and increase awareness of college and career opportunities beyond high school."


CHICAGO LAMP (LAWNDALE AMICHI MENTORING PROGRAM)
https://www.facebook.com/chicagolamp/
From the web site: "The mission of Chicago Lawndale AMACHI Mentoring Program (LAMP) is to provide mentoring and support services to children in North Lawndale and nearby communities who are impacted by incarceration. Our goal is to improve the life prospects of the mentees by providing a helping relationship; and engaging mentees in cultural enrichment activities designed to break the cycle of incarceration and promote positive youth development." Find on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-LAMP-Lawndale-Amachi-Mentoring-Program/148986865130333

 

CHICAGO LIGHTS TUTORING (4TH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH)
https://chicagolights.org/youth-programs/
From the web site: "Chicago Lights Tutoring encourages 400 students living in under-resourced neighborhoods to graduate from high school and pursue higher education and meaningful careers. We match each first through twelfth grader with one caring adult tutor/mentor and provide them with innovative educational, arts, and enrichment resources that promote long-term academic and social success.

Children in grades one through twelve—mostly from Chicago’s Near North, Near West, and Austin/Lawndale neighborhoods—come to Tutoring for weekly one-to-one tutoring sessions with volunteer tutor/mentors. In addition, the program offers healthy meals, creative enrichment classes, literacy activities, career development opportunities, access to technology, high school scholarships, college preparedness, and art and digital music instruction." Founded in 1965, this is one of the oldest, volunteer-based tutor/mentor programs in Chicago.

 

ERIE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE - YOUTH OPTIONS UNLIMITED
https://eriehouse.org/our-work/children-youth/
From the web site: "Youth Options Unlimited (YOU) is part of our Expanded Learning Programs for Children and Youth, supporting the growth and development of at-risk students ages 12-18. YOU is a safe, supportive and enriching environment that both supplements and enhances formal classroom activities, while also stimulating a close-knit familial structure. YOU programs spark an interest in learning and improve academic and life skills; provide opportunities for peer mentoring and leadership development; and also facilitate safe, recreational alternatives." Visit the web site to see the variety of programs that are offered which include tutoring and/or mentoring.

 

FRIENDS FIRST AT MERCY HOME FOR BOYS & GIRLS
https://www.mercyhome.org/friends-first-mentoring/mentor-child/#.VnQ6hF7cAb4
This volunteer mentoring program matches adults with at-risk children to serve as role models, friends and confidants. Mentors in this program are all ages and from all walks of life but are united by their concern for Chicago youth.

 

HOLY FAMILY MINISTRIES - ADVENTURES IN LEARNING
https://www.hfm.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1711205&type=d&pREC_ID=1874929
A K-8 after-school program that offers learning activities for children from under-resourced communities. Operated in North Lawndale area.

 

HORIZONS FOR YOUTH MENTORING PROGRAM
https://horizons-for-youth.org/
From the web site: "The Big Sibling Mentoring Program provides our students with a positive role model who demonstrates the benefits of academic success. Each Horizons for Youth child is paired with an individual Big Sibling mentor for the duration of his or her participation in our program. The mentor pairs meet twice each month–once at one of our scheduled Monthly Enrichment Outings, and once at a one-on-one meeting, organized by the mentor."

 

KIDZ EXPRESS
https://www.kidzexpress.org/programs
From the web site: "Kidz Express is a not-for-profit organization providing holistic solutions to the urban challenges of South Austin by building a continuum of community support to strengthen family economic security and foster positive youth development.  We serve some of the most at-risk children, youth and families in one of the nation's most underserved urban environments -- the South Austin community on the West Side of Chicago."

 

LATIN SCHOOL HIGH JUMP PROGRAM
https://highjumpchicago.org/about/mission/
From the web site: "High Jump equalizes access to education for middle school students who have exhibited academic ambition and potential and who are of limited economic means. We provide academic enrichment, counseling and support to students of diverse backgrounds, with the goals of sending our participants to superior college preparatory schools, ensuring their success while they are there, and enhancing their ability to gain admission to highly regarded four-year colleges and universities."

 

LAWNDALE COMMUNITY CHURCH AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
http://www.lawndalechurch.org

From the web site: "The Kids Corner after school program serves 2nd through 6th Grade youth and offers:

1) Homework Assistance

2) Spiritual Development

3) Physical Education

4) Computer Class"

LEARNING EDGE TUTORING (WAS CLUSTER TUTORING)
https://learningedgetutoring.org/about/
From the website: "The mission of Learning Edge Tutoring is to contribute to the lives of Chicago-area students through free one-to-one tutoring and academic enrichment opportunities enhanced by caring, mentoring relationships."  Learning Edge name was adopted in 2022. The organization operated as Cluster Tutoring for more than 30 years.

LIFE DIRECTIONS CHICAGO - PEER MENTORING PROGRAM
https://www.lifedirections.org/the-peer-mentor-program
From the web site: "The Peer Mentor Program establishes positive peer-to-peer and inter-generational mentoring relationships by engaging school administrators, teachers, student families, Adult Coaches, certified peer achievers; and at-risk 8th graders in a community-wide response to eliminate violence and self defeating attitudes that keep students from successful graduation.

In this process, achieving 10th and 11th graders, who have graduated from Life Directions’ Peer Motivation Program, are trained as Peer Mentors. After school they mentor 8th graders from nearby grammar schools to prepare them for a positive transition to high school. Peer Mentors receive support, encouragement and guidance from trained Adult Coaches recruited from neighborhood and business communities. Together they form a “pyramid of support” that advances the academic and social achievement of the Peer Mentors and their 8th Grade Mentees."

 

MIDTOWN-METRO ACHIEVEMENT CENTERS (MIDTOWN EDUCATION FOUNDATION)
https://www.midtown-metro.org/
From the web site: "Midtown-Metro guides low-income urban youth in Chicago along pathways of success. Our proven enrichment programs embrace the dignity of the person by focusing on academic excellence, virtue development, individual attention, and parental engagement.

MEF operates through its Metro Achievement Center for girls and Midtown Center for boys in grades 4 – 12. Programs focus on Hispanic and African American youth, offering after-school and summertime growth opportunities that help students of average academic ability to achieve above-average results. Programs are rooted in Catholic moral and social teaching and embrace students regardless of their religious, racial, ethnic, or familial status. MEF received its original inspiration from Opus Dei, an institution of the Catholic Church, and continues today its partnership with Opus Dei."

 

NEW LIFE CENTERS - YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM - HUMBOLDT PARK
https://newlifecenters.org/en/programs/youth-empowerment-program-yep/
From the web site: "YEP is a program designed to help develop soft skills and leadership of youth in middle school and high school.  It is a safe space to experience life through a different lens."

 

PITCH_IN AFTERSCHOOL MENTORING PROGRAM IN LAWNDALE
https://pitchinchicago.org/
From the web site: "The Pitch In after school mentoring program is a cohort-based, group mentoring program based in the North Lawndale neighborhood. It is designed to offer unique learning experiences and opportunities for personal growth to students in 4th through 8th grades. By focusing on the core competencies of social-emotional learning, we aim to help our young people thrive in their personal lives, their family lives, and their school lives.

Working with school faculty and local area partners, Pitch In staff designs dynamic interactive activities, presentations, and projects to engage our students. Learning themes are carried over throughout the program year to reinforce and sustain learning."

 

PROJECT EDUCATION PLUS - AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
https://projecteducationplus.org/youth-programs/smart-after-school-program/
From the web site: "After-School Programs include a homework area and a computer center for elementary and high school students. Our computer center is essential for the many that do not have home access. PEP collaborates with the Stamps Youth Programs, Chicago Police Department18th District, St. Matthews Church, and Holy Family Church to provide additional (specialized) services and volunteers."


PROJECT IMPACT 180 LEADERSHIP AND MENTORING PROGRAM
https://www.projectimpact180.org/
From the website: "Project Impact 180 is a community-based leadership and mentoring program for youth 7-17  years of age living in high risk communities. The program fosters a safe place where youth are trained to creatively explore problems and solutions in their lives, families and communities through nontraditional experiences."

 

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENT HOUSE - AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
https://www.northwesternsettlement.org/after-school-program
From the web site: "Northwestern University Settlement House's after school program connects caring adults with youth in and around the West Town community through mentorship, educational, service, artistic, and recreational activities in order to support their academic achievement, provide them with positive alternatives to destructive behaviors, and foster an ethic of service in the entire community."

 

ST. JOSEPH SERVICES - MENTORING PROGRAM
https://www.stjosephservices.org/youth-mentoring-program
From the web site: "St. Joseph Services' Youth Mentoring Program at St. Angela School guides and empowers Chicago's Youth, equipping them with the essential tools for a promising academic and professional journey.  The program service youth in 5th through 8th grade. 

ST. MALACHY SCHOOL/TEEN REACH
https://www.chicagoareaproject.org/community-youth-services/teen-reach/
This is a TEEN REACH program operated by The Chicago Area Project at St. Malachy School, 2220 W. Washington, Chicago, IL. 60612  This description of Teen REACH is on the CAP web site: "The primary purpose of the Teen REACH Program is to provide delinquency prevention services to youth and their families, (specifically those receiving TANF assistance), by implementing the Six Core service components as outlined in the Teen REACH program plan. These components include Improving Educational Performance, Life Skills Education, Parental Involvement, Recreation, Sports, and Cultural/Artistic Activities, Positive Adult Mentors and Service Learning Projects. The program itself is structured to help formulate relationships with other neighborhood and community based agencies/institutions in developing structured activities. These linkage agreements include: faith-based institutions, local grammar, high schools, colleges and universities; local parks and other recreational facilities; police, mental and physical health care providers."

 

THE OFF THE STREET CLUB
https://www.offthestreetclub.com/

From the web site: "Founded in 1900, Off The Street Club is Chicago’s oldest boys and girls club. We currently serve more than 3,000 kids in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country, West Garfield Park. We are grateful to all our supporters, including the Chicago advertising, marketing and media community.

We are a place where kids can truly find hope. Every child seeking a safe place to go is welcome to join us for games, play and mentorship. Mentoring and tutoring is offered Wednesdays at 5 p.m. at the Edeleman offices on the 66th floor of the AON Building."

 

THE UCAN CHICAGO - POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
https://www.ucanchicago.org/about-us/what-we-do/positive-youth-development/

From the web site: "UCAN’s primary clients are youth in care of the state child welfare system and youth who have been removed from their homes for reasons of abuse or neglect. UCAN uses a Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework to guides the way UCAN and the communities they serve organize services, opportunities, and support systems so that young people can develop to their full potential." Visit the organization's web site to learn more.

 

TUTORING CHICAGO (WAS CABRINI-GREEN TUTORING PROGRAM, INC.)
https://www.tutoringchicago.org/

From the web site: "Tutoring Chicago, founded in 1965 by volunteers from the Montgomery Ward Corporation, provides free weekly tutoring to approximately 600 students in grades one through six with the help of over 650 dedicated volunteers.  Our students come from economically disadvantaged families from all around Chicago, but most significantly from the Near North and Near West neighborhoods as well as the Logan Square area. Tutoring sessions are held Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 7:30pm. Each student is paired with his/her own volunteer tutor. The program provides a safe, stable learning environment and individualized attention for the children.

Note. Daniel Bassill, founder of Tutor/Mentor Connection (this web site) was leader of this program from 1975-1992. Many of the ideas and strategies Dan shares comes from lessons learned and structure developed during this leadership role.

 

WEST TOWN BIKES - USES BICYCLES AS A TOOL TO TEACH YOUNG PEOPLE
http://westtownbikes.org/youth-rograms/

From the web sites: "West Town Bikes is a community bicycle learning center. We offer youth programs here at the shop in Humboldt Park and across the city, bicycle mechanics workshops and classes and special events to members of the community. We also provide creative work space for special bicycle building, utilitarian human powered design, kinetic art, advocacy projects, and all sorts of constructive creation." They provide apprenticeship programs for youth attending high schools in and around Humboldt Park.

 

YOUNG MEN'S EDUCATIONAL NETWORK (YMEN)
https://www.ymenchicago.com/

From the web site: "The Young Men’s Educational Network was started by the RESIDENTS of the North Lawndale community on Chicago’s West Side. Michael Trout and 12 young men started the organization in 1996. YMEN is an effective and dynamic youth leadership organization that was established to address academic and social needs that cripple the futures of our African American young men. Offering 30 different programs, 7 days a week, YMEN provides year-round engagement and a sense of belonging to youth beginning in the 6th grade and continuing through college. YMEN creates a 15- year relationship with its students, helping them successfully transition from adolescence into adulthood by creating a safe place for them to learn and making meaningful investments by caring adult mentors. During this period, YMEN promotes healthy attitudes, growth in skills and knowledge, and appropriate behaviors while effectively helping youth overcome obstacles that stand in the way of academic achievement and responsible citizenship."

 

Y-PALS MENTORING AT KELLY HALL YMCA - YOUTH AND TEEN PROGRAMS
https://www.ymcachicago.org/programs/youth-and-teen-leadership/

From the web site: "The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago offers multiple leadership programs in safe, welcoming environments throughout the city. Our programs focus on enhancing skills, building confidence, and improving academic performance. By providing young adults the opportunity learn and grow, we are creating a healthier and stronger community." Browse the list of programs shown on the web site.

Chicago North

826CHI - WRITING, TUTORING
https://www.826chi.org/
From the web site: "826CHI is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. The after school tutoring program is open four afternoons a week with students in 1st through 8th grade working on their homework and sharpening their creative writing skills. Volunteer tutors help students with any and all homework assignments and lead students in daily creative and expository writing activities. Student writing created during tutoring is published in small chapbooks throughout the year, and we regularly host student readings for parents, tutors, and families."

ASIAN YOUTH SERVICES AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING PROGRAM
http://www.asianyouthservices.org/

From the web site: "Asian Youth Services (AYS) is an after-school tutoring program serving the youth of the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. Our mission is to provide the community's at-risk youth with high-quality educational experiences and mentoring relationships that will equip them to succeed in school and in life. We partner with volunteer groups from local academic institutions such as Northwestern University, DePaul University, and New Trier High School to provide tutoring and mentorship on a weekly basis.


CAROL ROBERTSON CENTER FOR LEARNING AT ALBANY PARK COMMUNITY CENTER - MENTORING WITH VOLTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
https://www.apccchgo.org/youthdevelopment
From the web site: "In September 2018, APCC launched its first youth mentoring program in partnership with Volta Elementary School. This program pairs at-risk-youths with a mentor once a month to meet one-on-one and participate in team-building and skill building activities. Once per quarter, our mentors and youth enjoy a recreational outing of their choice, such as visiting a college campus, going to see a movie or museum, ice skating at Millennium Park or going to a sports game. APCC's after-school mentoring program supports neighborhood youth in developing skills and strategies, which lead to success in school, peer and family relationships and become well-rounded citizens."

CENTRO ROMERO - YOUTH LEARNING AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
https://centroromero.org/
From the web site: Centro Romero has been a community-based organization that serves the refugee immigrant population on the northeast side of Chicago. Our Youth Learning and Leadership Program provides intensive after-school programs for academic support, tutoring, recreational and cultural activities for children."

CHRISTOPHER HOUSE - AFTER SCHOOL
https://www.christopherhouse.org/about/
From the web site: "Christopher House provides an engaging environment designed to drive students’ social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our School Age program takes place after school, all day (7:30 am – 5:30 pm) during the summer, and on weekdays when school is not in session. Includes volunteer-based tutoring and homework help to keep students on-track in school while promoting academic achievement and a desire to excel." Visit site to learn more.

CIRC-ESTEEM - HOMEWORK AND CIRCUS WORK
https://www.circesteem.org/homework-circus-work
From the web site: "Since 2001, CircEsteem’s mission has been to unite youth from diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and help them build self-esteem and mutual respect through the practice of circus arts. HomeWork & CircusWork is a free after-school tutoring program, which addresses the need CircEsteem participants have to keep up on their schoolwork while still being able to spend time learning circus skills. HomeWork & CircusWork meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The students spend an hour developing their circus skills with our highly- trained circus instructors and an hour working on their homework or other academic enrichment activities with our volunteer tutors."


EDGEWATER TUTORING PROGRAM AT IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
https://immanuellutheranchicago.org/youth-and-family-ministries/
From the web site: "The Edgewater Tutoring Program provides academic assistance for neighborhood students. Volunteer tutors from the neighborhood, Immanuel’s congregation, Loyola University and Northwestern University work on one-on-one with the students to help in all academic areas."


FAMILY MATTERS - PARTNERS IN LEARNING
https://www.familymatterschicago.org/programs/partners-in-learning/
From the web site: "Partners in Learning is about connecting. Youth and adults forge a bond as they meet weekly for academic and life skill building. They set goals together. They work through areas of challenge together. They nurture gifts and interests together. They talk about their families, their schools, and their workplaces. They build relationships that enrich both students and tutors and that often last a lifetime."  


FORA EMPOWERMENT CENTER - HIGH IMPACT TUTORING FOR REFUGEES
https://www.refugeefora.org/about
FORA was formed in 2019 to serve the needs of refugees coming to the West Ridge area of Chicago.  The High Impact Tutoring (HIT) aims to unlock the potential of millions of unschooled refugees. It is the heart of what FORA does. This includes at least 10 hours a week of tutoring; no more than two students per tutor; high quality, individualized, and foundational curricula; regular testing to identify educational gaps; and, monitoring progress through high school.  


GIRL FORWARD SERVES ADOLESCENT REFUGEE GIRLS
https://www.girlforward.org/
From the web site: "GirlForward serves refugee girls in programs located in Chicago and Austin, Texas. Our Mentoring Program pairs girls with mentors to engage in "4W" activities (Wellness, Wisdom, Wallet and World) in order to explore their passions and graduate from high school." Visit site to learn more.


HOWARD & EVANSTON COMMUNITY CENTER – METROPOLITAN FAMILY SERVICES
https://howardarea.org/services/children/ages-9-13/
From the web site: "The mission of Howard & Evanston Community Center is to assist low-income individuals and families in the Greater Rogers Park and Evanston to stabilize their lives and to develop the social skills necessary to become effective community members. In order to accomplish this mission, the agency’s programs provide emergency intervention, family stabilization, and promote developmental growth."


INSPIRED YOUTH TUTORING PROGRAM
https://www.inspiredyouthchicago.org/tutoring
From the web site: "Inspired Youth serves the academic needs of students in Chicago's Uptown, Edgewater, and Rogers Park neighborhoods. The Inspired Youth Tutoring Program helps elementary and and high school students with school homework and extra reading, writing, and arithmetic during the academic year." For locations, dates, and times, and program description, visit the web site.


LAWRENCE HALL YOUTH SERVICES - OPPORTUNITIES FOR MENTORS
https://www.lawrencehall.org/get-involved/volunteer/mentor/
From the web site: "Adult volunteers commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young person for a period of at least six months. By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about the youth, the mentor can help youth develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals." Visit this page to see description of mentor roles and responsibilities.


LIVING WORKS - ACADEMIC SUPPORT PROGRAMS
https://livingworkschicago.org/
From the web site: "Living Works is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching the lives of children and families in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago." Students connect with tutors in classrooms at Kilmer Elementary School during the school day and in an afterschool program.


REFUGEE-ONE YOUTH PROGRAM
https://refugeeone.org/our-programs/youth-young-adult-programs/
RefugeeOne is a refugee resettlement agency that provides a full range of services to refugees resettled in the Chicago area. RefugeeOne’s youth program annually helps more than 300 school-aged refugees adjust, grow and excel. Throughout the school year, young refugees participate in a lively after-school program. Youth receive one-on-one homework help, do arts and crafts, play sports, participate in community service projects, learn about health and nutrition, and more. Youth also take regular field trips and enjoy special events like the annual holiday party and refugee prom."

Chicago Area Volunteer-Based Tutor and/or Mentor Programs

Since 1993 Tutor/Mentor Connection has collected and shared information about Chicago area, volunteer-based tutor and/or mentor programs that operate in the non-school hours.

 

The list was published in a printed directory from 1994 to 2003, and in an on-line directory since then. 

We've attempted to show what area each program serves, using maps and using list segmentation.

Click the links below to find programs in different sections of Chicago and its suburbs. 

See the map showing locations of these organization.

 

Chicago North

Chicago Central

Chicago South Central

Chicago South

College Access Tutor/Mentor Programs

Multiple Site & Community Based Tutor and/or Mentor Programs

School-Based Tutor and/or Mentor Programs

Chicago Suburbs (North, West, South) Includes Rest of Illinois, NW Indiana

Find links to additional youth serving organizations that focus on Arts, Music and/or STEM, or that operate beyond the Chicago area. click here

If you find broken links or if you know of programs that should be added please contact Daniel Bassill of Tutor/Mentor Institute, LLC