Tutor incarcerated youth at IYC Chicago

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Jump Start is a one-to-one tutoring and mentoring program for incarcerated youth residing in the Illinois Youth Centers.

The goal of the program is to help raise literacy levels of incarcerated youth through academic one-to-one and small group tutoring by trained volunteers. Tutoring is also done in the areas of math and in preparation for the GED test.

A teaching background is not required - but the ability to be flexible and non-judgmental is essential. As tutors help to develop their students' reading and writing skills, they also become positive role models by sharing their life experiences and providing guidance, dedication and consistency. As the relationship continues, progress is made not only in the student's educational studies but also in their maturity level. They become more responsible for their choices and actions, and take more of an active role in determining their future. All tutoring is done in a supervised setting.

Becoming a volunteer is a lengthy process, as a background check is performed by the State of Illinois, as well as fingerprinting, and a drug screening. Upon clearance, fifteen hours of training are provided. Tutors must be over 21 years of age.

Tutoring hours at the centers fall between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Friday and there are also opportunities for evening tutoring. For more details call Alex Dunbar on 312 857 1582, or email adunbar@lvillinois.org, or lvaill@aol.com.