Students

Do you have an interest in applying to college or a trade school after you graduate highschool? This is the program for you!

student Eligibility

• Between the ages of 16-24

• High school junior through college freshmen

• Have experienced foster care

• Live in Illinois

Mentors

Do you share the belief that every young person deserves someone in their corner? We would love to hear from you!

Mentor Eligibilty

• College-educated

• Live in Illinois

• Available at least 1 hour a week to mentor

• Additional requirements at the link below.

College Matching

We help you find a college that is supportive of students like you, a place where you fit in, a place that will support you all the way to graduation!

COLLEGE FUNDING

We provide scholarship money when you participate and connect you to other grants and scholarships.

COLLEGE SUCCESS

We have your back throughout the whole process of finding a college, applying, deciding, and transitioning into your first year.

mentors CAN help with:

• FAFSA & financial aid

• College applications

• Navigating DCFS programs and resources

• ACT/SAT tutoring

• Choosing a major

• Homework & study skills

• Interviewing and applying for jobs

• Time Management

• Modeling healthy relationships

• Budgeting and banking

“My mentor was supportive by checking in with me regularly, listening to my concerns, and encouraging me to stay focused on my academic and personal goals. They provided guidance, resources, and motivation that helped me stay on track and continue making progress toward my future plans.”
- Program Alumni, Wilbur Wright College

“My mentor is helping me keep up with my ACT studying and is also helping me explore different career options that might interest me. She is also helping me look into colleges and will help me apply too.”
- High School Senior

“My mentor is helping me reach my goals by giving advice when needed as well as helping make a plan to reach those goals.”

- High School Senior

“We talk about my goals and the progress I’m making towards them. We talk about my classes and how they are going and what I need help in. She also checks in with me to see how I’m doing mentally.”
- College Freshman, Malcom X College

“My mentor has helped me apply for scholarships, and she keeps me on track with all of the important things I need to complete before I go to college. If I have any questions or concerns, she’s always there and happy to help!”
- College Freshman, Illinois State University

“My mentor has been very helpful in helping me prepare for my transition to college. Throughout the process of applying for scholarships, my mentor didn’t hesitate to write me recommendation letters and send me links on information that would help me succeed. She has supported me with driving me to all my important events like orientation and college tours. By spending time with my mentor, I have become more confident in myself when it comes to making friends and supporting myself.”
- College Freshman, Northern Illinois University

“My mentor has been really helpful by giving me advice about college and sharing her own experiences, especially as someone who was involved in theater and is also queer and neurodivergent. It’s been nice having someone I can ask questions and talk things through with as I get ready to start this next chapter. She’s also helped me think about things like budgeting and managing money, and she makes sure I’m staying on track with everything I need to get done. She’s been really encouraging, and I appreciate having another person in my corner.”
- College Freshman, Illinois State University

“My mentee is just completing her first year of college… so our favorite activity together has been exploring the neighborhood around her campus and trying new restaurants.”

-Lara

“Knowing that I’ve been a positive impact in their lives has really touched my heart dearly.”

-Becca