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The Chicago Scholars Mentor Application is now open to support our next incoming class of scholars – Apply Today! Deadline is May 3rd.

Be the Inspiration.


Chicago Scholars’ mentors guide Scholars through their first two years in our program. Mentors serve as valuable advisors, trusted friends and role models through the college admissions process, the transition from high school to college, and the first year on campus.

The mentor application is officially open! Apply now through May 3rd

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A MENTOR

HOLD A BACHELOR’S DEGREE

Mentors must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in any subject area.

COMMIT TO MENTORING FOR TWO YEARS

Mentors commit to working with their Scholars through the first two years of Chicago Scholars’ programming. 

MONTHLY MEETINGS WITH SCHOLARS

Mentors meet with their Scholars at least once a month, though many check in more often and attend Chicago Scholars events with them.

ATTEND MENTOR TRAINING SESSIONS

Mentors receive training and guidance from Chicago Scholars staff along with monthly curriculum and important resources to help them with their role. 

FOLLOW THE CHICAGO SCHOLARS CORE VALUES AND THE MENTOR CODE OF CONDUCT

We have high standards for our mentors to ensure the safety and well-being of our Scholars. All mentors agree to show up for Scholars, honor their unique identities, seek help when they need it, and be honest and upfront with their Scholars. Click here to see the Chicago Scholars Core Values and Mentor Code of Conduct.

How will I succeed as a mentor?

STAFF SUPPORT

Mentors are introduced to staff and interact with them often. If you need support or advice, Chicago Scholars’ staff are ready and available to help.  

CURRICULUM & RESOURCES

Chicago Scholars uses a research-based curriculum to guide Scholars through the huge transition from high school to college. Mentors also have access to curriculum and resources through the Chicago Scholars mobile app, which helps keep Scholars on track.

TRAINING SESSIONS

Mentors attend training sessions that create space for them to share tips and best practices with their peers and provide them with the tools and resources needed to continually improve and support our Scholars in the areas they need it most. 

TECHNOLOGY

Chicago Scholars uses technology to enhance our program and increase your impact as a mentor. Our Chicago Scholars Mobile App and CS Connect are online tools that provide mentors with resources and allow them to communicate with CS College Counselors and staff to track student progress. 

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Reach out to the Chicago Scholars mentoring team at getinvolved@chicagoscholars.org.


Meet our Mentor of the Month:

Shanthi Cambala, Mentor Since 2021

As a Mentor, I hope to show my Scholars that all the hardships in life are not problems they need to solve, but stepping stones to help them experience their college journey. 



Meet a Mentor

John Smart


“The opportunity to engage as a mentor with deserving and talented Scholars at a formative stage in their lives is a special experience. Chicago Scholars’ values-based playbook is rich with content and provides an excellent guidepost for the college selection process.  Working alongside the seasoned staff and my dynamic co-mentors, I’m able to leverage my personal experience and together we help set the path for the scholars to become future leaders in college, career and community. Based on my experience the last two years, the outcomes are exceptionally rewarding.” 

Alicia Oladipo


“Volunteering as a mentor with Chicago Scholars has been incredibly rewarding. I enjoy uplifting my Scholars and providing them with the support they need to achieve their academic goals. As a mentor, I witness my Scholars grow as they transition from their senior year of high school to their first year of college, all while collaborating with my amazing co-mentors. I have learned so much from my Scholars and they truly inspire me. I can confidently say that I have grown as an individual since I’ve begun working with my Scholars and I am honored to be one of their mentors.” 

Armando Becerril


“As I reflect on my experience as an undocumented, first-generation student, I know I wouldn’t have been as successful without the mentors in my life. From figuring out where I could go to college as an undocumented person, to assisting me with my questions, providing invaluable opportunities while a college student, and actively providing career advice, my mentors have always been there for me. Hence, mentorship has been a blessing and a key ingredient to my success. That’s why I decided to become a Chicago Scholars mentor. To pay it forward so we can assist in shaping these Scholars to become the future leaders of Chicago.”

Nominate a Mentor

Mentoring is the cornerstone of our program! Every mentor we recruit increases our impact and allows us to serve more Scholars. Nominate a friend, family member, or colleague to join the team as a Chicago Scholars mentor.