Become a tutor/mentor and make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life.
Our mission is to Partner with Youth and Adults to build brighter futures through supportive relationships and life-changing programs.
We do this by providing creative youth development and adult social services that help people build the skills they need to transcend systemic barriers and lead fulfilling lives.
Chicago Lights believes every person should have access to the resources they need to overcome economic and social barriers and achieve their ambitions.
Our History
Chicago Lights is the nonprofit at Fourth Presbyterian Church. Our programs grew from the church’s commitment to social justice and compassionate service, beginning with the founding of the Tutoring program in 1964.

In 1964, Fourth Presbyterian Church partnered with residents in the former Cabrini-Green neighborhood to provide tutoring to students. The commitment to education and literacy expanded and in 1991 gave rise to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which in 2004 was renamed Chicago Lights.
Fourth Presbyterian Church continues to be a vital source of funding and support for Chicago Lights, including providing close to half of our volunteers and covering a majority of our overhead costs.
Since the inception of Tutoring in 1964, Chicago Lights has partnered with more than 60,000 people. Today, we annually connect with more than 4,000 individuals through mentoring, supportive services, academic enrichment, career development, and arts education.

100%


4,500
Pounds of produce were grown and distributed to the community.

1,300
More than 1,300 adults partner with the Social Service Center each year.

Our Staff
Chicago Lights Team
Our talented team is a compassionate and experienced group of individuals who work hard toward our mission each day.
Check out our team members and bios here.
Our Board of Directors
Our board of directors is a group of experienced individuals who help lead us toward our mission.
Learn more about our Board of Directors here.