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Mentors Needed (3-8th Grade)

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ORGANIZATION: Horizons for Youth

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Mentoring is the cornerstone of our organization. As a mentor, or "Big Sib," you will develop a one-on-one relationship with a child in 3-8th grade, and support in expanding their social network.

By providing consistency and serving as a positive role model in students’ lives, research has shown that students paired with a mentor are 55% more likely to enroll in college.As a Big Sib at Horizons for Youth, you are a primary source of support for a student in our program and have the opportunity to develop a lasting relationship with the child and the entire family.

Our ask:

  • Mentors are asked to consider a two-year relationship with their Little Sib, and have a requirement to maintain 2 touchpoints per month with their mentee.
  • Touchpoints are meant to support with relationship-building, and are organized by Horizons for Youth and/or by the Mentor. Touchpoints can be in-person and virtual (text, phone, video call, etc.).
  • All volunteers will be required to undergo a background check as a part of their onboarding process.

More opportunities with Horizons for Youth

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About Horizons for Youth

Location:

1327 W Washington Blvd, Unit 104, Chicago, IL 60607, US

Mission Statement

Since 1991, Horizons for Youth has committed to understanding each individual student’s need and filling that gap. Our mission is to transform children’s lives by providing targeted resources, rooted in education, in a trusting partnership with their families and communities.

Description

Horizons for Youth was founded in 1991 by a group of friends who wanted to give back to the community. They believed that three aspects of their childhood were essential to their success: a quality education from an early age, a strong adult support system, and exposure to the larger community. Determined to focus on children’s needs in spite of the barriers they face, our founders started filling in the gaps to these vital opportunities by forming Horizons for Youth.

Since then, Horizons for Youth serves approximately 200 students annually across Chicago. What makes us different from other organizations, is that we work with students from kindergarten through the start of their careers and do not refuse a student based on academic ability. In fact, roughly 30% of Horizons for Youth students are identified as exceptional learners. We have a 90% retention rate for our students, with the average length of time a student stays in our program as 17 years! We rely heavily on partnerships with families and our communities during this length of time, and invite you to consider joining our mission as a volunteer!

CAUSE AREAS

Children & Youth
Community
Education & Literacy
Children & Youth, Community, Education & Literacy

WHEN

We'll work with your schedule.

WHERE

1327 West Washington BoulevardUnit 104Chicago, IL 60607

(41.88265,-87.66082)
 

DATE POSTED

March 6, 2025

SKILLS

  • People Skills
  • Mentoring
  • Relationship Building

GOOD FOR

  • People 55+
  • Public Groups
  • Private Groups

REQUIREMENTS

  • Background Check
  • Must be at least 18
  • Orientation or Training
  • Two points of contact per month
  • Must pass a background check

Private Group Details

  • Group Size Range 1 - 50+
  • Event can be held at a volunteer group location (e.g. office, park) or at organization location(s)
  • Donation Requested
  • Private groups who are interested in engaging with Horizons for Youth are welcome to engage further through philanthropic giving. We'd be happy to provide more details about the impact of a gift.

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