Educational Services
Our Educational Services Team is now providing the convenience of Online Intake for students. Click Here for the Online Intake Form. Call 312-328-3543 or email [email protected] if you have questions.
Our Educational Services program supports urban middle and high school youth in their educational pursuits through student-centered services which includes, tutoring and mentoring, college placement, academic and career counseling, financial aid counseling, and scholarship resource assistance. We use innovative ways to recruit, retain and engage students. We do so by partnering with school administrators to exceed Chicago Public Schools mandated performance outcomes.
We have modified our delivery of services as necessary to adhere to social distancing guidelines during the pandemic. Our COVID-19 Resource and Support Guide details the full range of resources and supports we are offering during the pandemic, and other opportunities we have discovered through our peers and networks.
What we offer
Tutoring and Mentoring
Our Tutoring and Mentoring program is specifically designed to improve academic performance by introducing a number of practical strategies that support the individual needs of each student. Collectively, the services offered include robust mentor and peer support to help students reach their education goals.
College Placement
Our College Placement program increases college accessibility and affordability among minority students. Educational Specialist assists students and families in identifying college and universities that correspond with the academic, financial, social and career profile of the individual. Services include college test preparation resources, college application completion, financial aid counseling and preparation of forms, scholarship research and campus visits.
Academic and Career Counseling
Program participants receive student-centered counseling that addresses individual academic and career goals. A comprehensive needs assessment is developed for each participant to inform the creation of an Individual Achievement Plan that outlines specific goals, lists available resources, and identifies the types of services needed to achieve the desired outcomes for each student.
Financial Aid Counseling
Educational Specialists work with students and parents to provide insight into the financial language, resources and processes related to funding a college education. Services include assisting parents and students in applying for Federal Student Identifications, completing and submitting FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and analyzing student aid reports and award letters.
Scholarship Resource Assistance
Educational Specialists assists participants in developing individual student profiles used to create on-line scholarship research accounts and identify various potential funding sources. Students receive personalized guidance and instruction on how to effectively research scholarship opportunities, comply with the requirements, write successful personal statements and essays, as well as strategies for interviewing.
Trunk Scholarships
We award Trunk Scholarships to our students annually through an application and essay competition. These off-to-college trunks are filled with the things first-year college students need to adjust and reach success in their new environment (desk supplies, bedding and linens, electronics, and other important items). The scholarships were founded by Revie Sorey, our former Director of Educational Services and Chicago Bear, and are made possible by annual sponsors and community partnerships to assist low income, first generation students in pursuing a post-secondary education.
Program Alumni
Are you an alum of our Educational Services program? We would love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out to us though our Contact Us Form. Our Educational Services program was initiated by the late Silas Purnell, a nationally recognized financial aid and college admissions counselor over 40 years ago. The program has placed more than 65,000 youth in more than 400 colleges and universities throughout the United States.
