Become a tutor/mentor and make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life.
Tutoring
Chicago Lights Tutoring supports the academic and personal growth of more than 300 students a year.
I wouldn’t be here without my mentor Liz’s love and support.“
Xavier, Tutoring alumnus, was paired with his mentor, Liz, when he was in third grade. He is now on the Chicago Lights Associates Board.
The future is bright. At Chicago Lights Tutoring, students are matched one-to-one with caring adult mentors. These relationships, combined with innovative educational and enrichment resources, mindfulness practices, and career development, help prepare students for higher education and future jobs.
We believe in wrap-around care for students, which is why each night our Tutoring program begins with a healthy dinner made on site, followed by enrichment classes. Students explore art, dance, yoga, digital music, or Peace Club, which uses mindfulness, meditation, and labyrinths to encourage peaceful expression.
Literacy is a vital part of human connection and understanding. That’s why our Tutoring program incorporates a comprehensive literacy curriculum that provides individualized attention from our Reading Specialist.
High school students in our Career Development program put their knowledge into action through summer internships. Not all students have access to job resources—but our internships change that. In partnership with local businesses, internships provide invaluable professional skills, boost resumes, and offer summer income for students. Learn more.
Some students need a private high-school experience in order to thrive. That’s why we offer scholarships for 20 high school students to attend Chicago-area private and parochial high schools, many with graduation rates near 100%. Learn more.
Program Details
Each student and volunteer selects one day per week to participate. The program runs on the following days:
Mondays (Virtual Only)
Tuesdays (In Person Only)
Wednesdays (In Person Only)
Location
Tutoring is held in person at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL.
Virtual tutoring is via Zoom.
Free Transportation for students: 4:30 p.m. (Near North, West, and South)
Hot, Nutritious Dinner: 5:00 p.m.
Enrichment Classes: 5:30 p.m.
One-to-One Tutoring: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Career Development/Internships
Student
For more information, please contact Jonita Johnson at jjohnson@chicagolights.org.
Scholarships
Students in eighth – eleventh grade currently enrolled in our Tutoring Program may apply for a scholarship to a local private high school. Students must first be accepted to the high school and apply for financial aid from the school.
For more information, please contact Johnetta Anderson at janderson@chicagolights.org.
Make a difference with Chicago Lights.
Volunteers make our life-changing work possible and help our students thrive.
Volunteer
Build brighter futures. Change lives. Volunteer with Chicago Lights!
Invest in changing lives with us.
Every dollar you give goes directly toward empowering youth in need.