HOLD A BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Mentors must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in any subject area.
COMMIT TO MENTORING FOR TWO YEARS
Mentors commit to working with their Scholars through the first two years of Chicago Scholars’ programming.
MONTHLY MEETINGS WITH SCHOLARS
Mentors meet with their Scholars at least once a month, though many check in more often and attend Chicago Scholars events with them.
ATTEND MENTOR TRAINING SESSIONS
Mentors receive training and guidance from Chicago Scholars staff along with monthly curriculum and important resources to help them with their role.
FOLLOW THE CHICAGO SCHOLARS CORE VALUES AND THE MENTOR CODE OF CONDUCT
We have high standards for our mentors to ensure the safety and well-being of our Scholars. All mentors agree to show up for Scholars, honor their unique identities, seek help when they need it, and be honest and upfront with their Scholars. Click here to see the Chicago Scholars Core Values and Mentor Code of Conduct.
STAFF SUPPORT
Mentors are introduced to staff and interact with them often. If you need support or advice, Chicago Scholars’ staff are ready and available to help.
CURRICULUM & RESOURCES
Chicago Scholars uses a research-based curriculum to guide Scholars through the huge transition from high school to college. Mentors also have access to curriculum and resources through the Chicago Scholars mobile app, which helps keep Scholars on track.
TRAINING SESSIONS
Mentors attend training sessions that create space for them to share tips and best practices with their peers and provide them with the tools and resources needed to continually improve and support our Scholars in the areas they need it most.
TECHNOLOGY
Chicago Scholars uses technology to enhance our program and increase your impact as a mentor. Our Chicago Scholars Mobile App and CS Connect are online tools that provide mentors with resources and allow them to communicate with CS College Counselors and staff to track student progress.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Reach out to the Chicago Scholars mentoring team at getinvolved@chicagoscholars.org.
Mentor Success Stories
“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.” – Oprah Winfrey
Meet Our Mentors of The Year
Schafaris Turner, Winner of Year One Mentor of the Year
“The best part about being a CS Mentor is working with so many amazing students. We truly get to work with the brightest young minds in Chicago. Each year, I learn something new, not only about them, but also about myself.”
Mayra Miranda, Winner of Year Two Mentor of the Year
“I am always happy when I get a text from a scholar wanting to connect. Those moments of listening, providing support, and ensuring that they know I am available are important to me. Apart from the interactions, the collaboration that happens as a mentor with the CS staff is truly amazing.”
Meet Our CS Way Winners
Alleson Knox, Winner of the “We Show Up” Award, Mentor Since 2022
Andrea Syukur, Winner of the “We Model The Way” Award, Mentor since 2017
Kiley Kio, Winner of the “We Dream Big” Award, Mentor since 2022
Lovey Marshall, Winner of the “We Care For Each Other” Award, Mentor since 2022
Meet a Mentor
John Smart
“The opportunity to engage as a mentor with deserving and talented Scholars at a formative stage in their lives is a special experience. Chicago Scholars’ values-based playbook is rich with content and provides an excellent guidepost for the college selection process. Working alongside the seasoned staff and my dynamic co-mentors, I’m able to leverage my personal experience and together we help set the path for the scholars to become future leaders in college, career and community. Based on my experience the last two years, the outcomes are exceptionally rewarding.”
Alicia Oladipo
“Volunteering as a mentor with Chicago Scholars has been incredibly rewarding. I enjoy uplifting my Scholars and providing them with the support they need to achieve their academic goals. As a mentor, I witness my Scholars grow as they transition from their senior year of high school to their first year of college, all while collaborating with my amazing co-mentors. I have learned so much from my Scholars and they truly inspire me. I can confidently say that I have grown as an individual since I’ve begun working with my Scholars and I am honored to be one of their mentors.”
Armando Becerril
“As I reflect on my experience as an undocumented, first-generation student, I know I wouldn’t have been as successful without the mentors in my life. From figuring out where I could go to college as an undocumented person, to assisting me with my questions, providing invaluable opportunities while a college student, and actively providing career advice, my mentors have always been there for me. Hence, mentorship has been a blessing and a key ingredient to my success. That’s why I decided to become a Chicago Scholars mentor. To pay it forward so we can assist in shaping these Scholars to become the future leaders of Chicago.”