How You Can Help!

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Minds Matter Chicago relies on the generous support of our donors. On average, Minds Matter pays $7,000-9,000 to send each mentee through our program - every dollar we raise brings these students closer to acheiving their dream of attending college. We hope you'll consider supporting our incredible, deserving mentees!

Where Donations Go

  • Online Summer College Programs:  $500 to $1500 per student
  • Summer Textbooks:   $150 per student

We prepare accomplished high school students from low-income families for college acceptance and success

Launched in 2006, Minds Matter Chicago (MMC) combats disparities in college access, persistence, and graduation among high-achieving, low-income students of color. MMC ’s three-year program combines intensive mentoring, supplemental academic supports, assistance with the college application and scholarship process, and pre-college summer learning experiences. Through all these activities, MMC strives to foster a college-going culture, especially among first-generation college aspirants, and to prepare young people for academic success, greater personal responsibility, and fulfilling careers.

MMC’s current enrollment comprises 66 students in grades 10–12, from partner high schools Phoenix Military, Von Steuben, King College Prep, and Cristo Rey. Participants are 9% African American, 81% Latinx, 6% Asian, 1% White, and 3% Multiracial; students are 17% male and 83% female, with one identifying as trans. Nearly 100% qualify for free or reduced lunch. MMC students hail from 13 zip codes and 24 community areas--including Austin, Chatham, Chicago Lawn, Humboldt Park, Near West Side, Pilsen, Roseland, South Lawndale, West Englewood, and West Garfield Park--and nearly 82% speak a language other than English at home.

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  • 1 Shawn and Anne Mansfield $1,000.00
  • 2 Leo Bekerman $500.00
  • 3 Rhonda Bell $500.00
  • 4 Sean Moran $500.00
  • 5 Zach Ozog $250.00
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