Tutoring

Become a tutor/mentor and make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life.

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.

One-To-One Tutoring

1 in 3 young people will grow up without a mentor. We seek to change that, matching first- through twelfth-grade students from Chicago’s Near North, West, and South Side neighborhoods with caring adult mentors. As a result of these partnerships, students are more likely to graduate from high school, pursue higher education, and thrive in meaningful careers. Learn more. =

Enrichment

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

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.

Career Development

Students in grades 10–12 currently enrolled and regularly attending the Tutoring Program may participate in our Career Development program, making them eligible for a summer internship. Several college-age Tutoring program alumni also return for a summer internship. Learn more. =

Internships

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. =

Scholarships

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

Schedule

Tutoring for the 2023-2024 school year kicks off Monday, October 2! Students and their tutors meet in-person or virtually, one evening a week, from October through May. Tutoring follows the Chicago Public School’s vacation and holiday schedule.

Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays

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.

To register your child click here or contact Program Coordinator Mark Dennison at mdennison@chicagolights.org / 312.274.3828.

Location

Tutoring is held in person at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL.

Virtual tutoring is via Zoom.

Career Development/Internships

Student

Career Development is for eligible high school students enrolled in our Tutoring program. Students are supported by their one-to-one mentor and local business and organization leaders. High school students in grades 10–12 currently enrolled in our Career Development program and college-age Tutoring program alumni are eligible for summer internships.

Internship Schedule

Internships are typically from mid-June to mid-August at a variety of local businesses and organizations in the fields of healthcare, technology, law, consulting, nonprofit, education, government, retail, marketing, media, architecture, engineering, accounting, and more. The schedule is flexible, but most students work Monday–Thursday, either 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. or 12:00–4:00 p.m. Students receive a stipend from Chicago Lights. There is no cost to partner businesses and organizations.

For more information, please contact Jonita Johnson at jjohnson@chicagolights.org.

Scholarships

Student

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.

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