Minds Matter Chicago

Minds Matter connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. Minds Matter is a national organization with chapters in 14 cities across the country.

Minds Matter connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. Minds Matter is a national organization with chapters in 14 cities across the country.

Minds Matter Chicago supports students as they grow both personally and academically, helping them build confidence, strengthen their skills, and explore opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings. We work with highly motivated students who are committed to earning a college degree and believe that financial circumstances should not limit access to higher education.

We partner with schools across Chicago who nominate high-performing sophomores to apply to the program. Interested students complete a selective application process that includes recommendations and an interview. Those accepted are paired with two mentors who support them over a three-year period. These mentors, who are college-educated professionals, serve as consistent guides and role models, often maintaining lasting relationships with students well beyond the program.

Our comprehensive program includes SAT preparation, vocabulary development, writing and critical thinking workshops, and college access support. Students receive support with college applications, scholarships, and financial aid, along with access to career panels, guest speakers, and educational field trips. Each summer, students participate in a college summer program, building exposure to campus life and preparing them for enrollment in a four-year college.