Midtown Educational Foundation (MEF) is a nonprofit organization with an award-winning approach aimed to develop the whole person. MEF helps youngsters to become better students and better people through its sponsorship of the Metro Achievement Center for girls and Midtown Center for boys in Chicago, Illinois. Midtown & Metro blend academic tutoring and test prep, character building, sports and arts, parental support, and constant personal attention for 4-12th grade students. Over 400 volunteers donate time each week as tutors and mentors.
The MEF model is nationally recognized and has been replicated by seven other organizations around the country. In 2010, MEF celebrated 100% high school graduation rate and college enrollment 15 years in a row.
At the heart of MEF's philosophy is the belief that everyone is A Very Important Person, worthy of respect and recognition and deserving of every opportunity to succeed.
MEF's approach can be remembered with the help of an acronym that also describes every child it serves: "A V.I.P."
The "A" stands for ACADEMICS. MEF enables children to compete in college-prep high schools and then enter good colleges.
The "V" stands for basic VIRTUES. Civic virtue and moral character are taught along with academics.
The "I" stands for INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION. We believe the best motivation is personal friendship and attribute a large part of the success of our programs to the individual mentoring each student
receives.
The "P" stands for PARENTS. MEF operates on the principle that parents are the primary educators of their children.
Be a role model and volunteer at Midtown or Metro!
- Just 2 -2.5 hours once a week.
- Build a unique relationship and be paired with the same student for one-on-one tutoring.
- Our volunteers are working professionals and college men or women.
- No experience necessary. Tutor orientation/training available.
- To complete a volunteer interest form, visit www.midtown-metro.org/volunteer/. Scroll & click on 'HOW TO VOLUNTEER' and select 'Application for Men Volunteers' or 'Application for Women Volunteers.'
LOCATION
For female volunteers (18+):
Metro Achievement Center for girls is conveniently located at:
310 S. Peoria St. (b/t Jackson & Van Buren)
Chicago, IL 60607 (Greektown/West Loop)
(1/2 block from UIC/Halsted stop on the CTA Blue Line)
For male volunteers (18+):
Midtown Center for boys is conveniently located at:
1819 N. Wood St. (near Armitage)
Chicago, IL 60622 (Bucktown/Wicker Park)
(near Damen stop on CTA Blue Line)
Join us for academic enrichment, fun and the chance to make new friends! www.midtown-metro.org
