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.

Through our efforts, we provide support to our students as they grow personally and academically. We introduce them to a world of opportunity outside their neighborhoods and comfort zones. They gain more confidence in their abilities and learn to expand their horizons. Minds Matter works with motivated students because we believe that no student dedicated to earning a college education should be limited by socioeconomic status

We forge relationships with guidance counselors in various schools throughout Chicago, who recommend their top sophomores to attend our program. Those students who are interested enter a rigorous application process that includes a written personal statement and a phone interview. Each accepted student is then paired with 2 mentors who work together over the next 3 years. These mentors – college graduates and typically young Chicago executives – become role models to the students, and they often keep in touch for many years.

Our program consists of SAT/ACT training, Vocabulary and Writing & Critical Thinking workshops, What’s Going on in the World debate series, summer program and college applications, scholarship and financial aid navigation techniques, career panels, college life assimilation tools, and various guest speakers and field trips. Every summer we send each student to a college summer program of choice, and ultimately to a 4-year college.