Mentor (Volunteer)

About Minds Matter Chicago:

Minds Matter Chicago is part of Minds Matter, a national organization with chapters in cities across the country. Minds Matter connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world.

Through a multi-year, cohort-based model, Minds Matter Chicago provides individualized mentoring, academic enrichment, and college advising to support students as they navigate the path to and through college. Our work is grounded in a student-centered approach and focused on ensuring students have the access, guidance, and support needed to achieve their academic and personal goals.

Role Overview:

The Mentor is a volunteer role responsible for supporting a student’s growth, development, and progress throughout their time in the program at Minds Matter Chicago. Mentors work closely with their assigned mentee to support academic progress, personal development, and college readiness while helping students stay on track with grade-level program goals.

This role supports a student-centered culture guided by the organization’s mission by building a consistent, trusting relationship with a student and actively supporting their journey to and through college. Mentors play an important role in helping students navigate challenges, celebrate progress, and stay accountable to their goals.

Mentoring at Minds Matter Chicago is an active and engaged role that requires consistent communication, preparation, and collaboration with program leadership to ensure students receive meaningful support.

What You Will Gain From This Role:

Volunteering with Minds Matter Chicago offers meaningful professional, personal, and community-based benefits. In this role, volunteers become part of a collaborative community committed to supporting students as they navigate critical academic and life transitions.

Benefits include:

• Career Compass Exchange, an intentional space for volunteers to engage in professional learning, reflection, and skill-building alongside peers across industries
• Opportunities to build and expand professional networks through collaboration with staff, board members, and volunteers who bring diverse perspectives and expertise
• Experience working within a mission-driven, team-oriented environment that values shared responsibility, collaboration, and mutual support
• Volunteers with Minds Matter Chicago gain not only professional experience and community, but also the chance to be part of work that has a lasting and meaningful impact on students’ lives.

Reporting Structure:

Mentors report to their Pod Lead and Grade Level Director. Mentors also collaborate closely with the Program Director and other program leadership as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

This role collaborates regularly with:

• Pod Leads for guidance, accountability, and student support coordination
• Grade Level Directors to ensure mentees remain on track with program milestones
• Program staff to address concerns, progress updates, or student needs
• Parents or guardians to maintain communication and partnership in supporting the student’s development

Responsibilities & Scope:

Primary Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a consistent mentoring relationship with the assigned mentee
• Support mentees in developing and pursuing personal, academic, and college-related goals
• Help mentees stay on track with grade-level program goals and milestones
• Monitor mentee attendance and engagement with programming
• Follow up directly with mentees when absences occur and communicate with parents or guardians when attendance concerns arise
• Establish an introductory relationship with the mentee’s parent or guardian following mentor matching and maintain communication as appropriate
• Encourage accountability, growth, and self-advocacy in mentees
• Raise concerns related to student well-being, engagement, or performance to the Pod Lead or Grade Level Director in a timely manner
• Maintain clear and professional communication with program leadership regarding mentee progress
• Participate actively in mentoring sessions and program activities

Secondary Responsibilities

• Serve as a positive role model who demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and encouragement
• Support mentees in developing confidence, problem-solving skills, and future planning
• Help mentees navigate academic challenges and explore college and career pathways
• Participate in mentor check-ins, program meetings, and ongoing training sessions
• Engage with the broader mentor community through meetings or optional social opportunities when possible

Student Services Support (Applies to All Roles):

• Provide student services support in emergency or capacity-related situations as needed to ensure continuity of services and student safety
• Time Commitment and Schedule:
• Attend all scheduled program sessions during the academic year
• Maintain regular communication with the assigned mentee outside of programming as appropriate
• Participate in mentor meetings, training sessions, and check-ins as required
• Attend optional mentor community events and gatherings when possible

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds in achieving academic and personal success
• Ability to build trust and maintain a consistent mentoring relationship
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Reliability, responsiveness, and accountability in supporting mentee progress
• Willingness to actively engage in mentoring and program activities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience mentoring, tutoring, advising, or working with youth
• Experience supporting students in academic or college preparation settings
• Interest in education, youth development, or college access work
• How Success in This Role Is Measured
• Mentor effectiveness is evaluated through engagement, student progress, and participation in the program.

Mentors demonstrate success in the role by:

• Supporting mentees in meeting attendance expectations and program participation requirements
• Ensuring mentees remain on track with grade-level program goals by midyear
• Supporting mentees in successfully completing their program goals by the end of the program year
• Maintaining consistent and proactive communication with mentees, parents, and program leadership
• Raising concerns and addressing challenges in a timely and responsible manner
• Participating in required mentor meetings, trainings, and program activities

Education & Experience:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree
• Relevant professional, volunteer, or lived experience supporting youth development, education, or mentorship

Language & Communication Skills:

• Strong interpersonal communication and listening skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with students, families, and program leadership
• Ability to provide encouragement, guidance, and constructive feedback to students

Training & Compliance Requirements:

• Completion of required onboarding and role-specific training
• Participation in training focused on fostering belonging, respect, and culturally responsive practices
• Adherence to organizational policies and expectations that support a student-centered culture aligned with the mission of the organization
• Compliance with applicable funder or regulatory requirements
• Completion of background checks and clearances required for work with students
• Participation in ongoing training or refresher sessions as required

Volunteer Status & Role Continuation

This is an at-will volunteer position. Service in this role is subject to ongoing evaluation and assessment throughout the year to ensure alignment with organizational expectations and needs. 

Minds Matter Chicago reserves the right to modify or discontinue this role, including the removal of responsibilities, at any time and without cause.