I created this graphic over 20 years ago to show categories of youth who most benefit from different forms of tutor and/or mentor programs support. The Tutor/Mentor Connection/Institute, LLC focuses on youth living in high poverty areas.

Visit http://www.tutormentorexchange.net to see a web library, list of Chicago programs, and ideas people can use to help programs grow in high poverty areas.

The Tutor/Mentor Connection/Institute LLC strategy should be duplicated in other categories where more specific, and professional, forms of support are needed than what most volunteers can provide.

However, this graphic (see 5/16 article) shows that kids who don't live in poverty or have any of the needs shown on my first chart, may be growing up in areas where the adults and experiences around them provide a limited view of the world.

Read follow up 5/20 article.

In the "start a program" section of the website I show a year-round planning strategy aimed at year-to-year improvement of programs that provide continuous support to youth as the move through K-12 and on toward jobs and careers.

During May/June programs are hosting year-end celebrations and graduations, recognizing work done during the past school year. However, they should also be collecting ideas that they put into summer planning, then lead to improved, renewed programs beginning in August/September.

This cycle repeats every year.

Do youth programs in your community have a written planning calendar? Share this with them.

For tutor/mentor programs to be able to attract and retain youth and volunteers over multiple years they must be able to more consistently attract operating dollars.

I was the primary grant writer for 20 years in programs I led in Chicago. It's the most frustrating job I held, yet essential.

In my 1973-1990 retail advertising roles with the Montgomery Ward Corp I learned how weekly advertising drew customers to ALL of our 400 plus stores.

That strategy needs to duplicate in every city to help youth programs grow. If someone hosts a database of programs (which I do in Chicago) anyone can use their own media and visibility to draw volunteers and donors to any of the programs on that list.

Is this happening in your city?

I started this website in 1998 and it's available to anyone in the world. The ideas are intended to help people better understand where youth and families need help, where tutor/mentor programs are most needed, and ways to help programs grow and constantly improve.

Visit this "get started" page and view the PDFs that provide a tour of the website.

While this site points to Chicago the ideas and strategies, and web library, can be used in any city.

Create your own version borrowing from this site.

Get the App

The Mayor of Chicago's MyChiMyFuture program is launching an app to help youth find summer involvement opportunities. View this PDF to learn more. Share this with youth programs and youth.

Visit the MyChiMyFuture - City of Chicago website. View the map of activities for youth - click here