Parent Mentor Program

The Parent Mentor Program is an opportunity for local parents to improve their leadership skills, gain educational experiences, and engage in the school community. This benefit The ACE Project as it increases the number of qualified coaches to lead the various aspects of youth programs. Overall, we believe that by reinforcing the relationships between students, their families, and their communities, we will close the achievement gap that limits opportunity and success.

We believe Families are the backbone of individual success

In 2018, The ACE Project partnered with the Southwest Organizing Project and the Logan Square Neighborhood Association to implement the Illinois statewide Parent Mentor Program. Though we have mostly focused on after-school activities previously, this program aligns us closer with partner schools as we work together to increase parent engagement across all grade levels.

Our mentors, who are parents within the school district, participate in a statewide kick-off meeting that focuses on relationship-building, leadership identification and development, creating safe and nurturing school communities, and an introduction to basic duties and responsibilities within the school. Then, Parent Mentors work alongside a teacher with students either individually or in small groups for 100 hours each semester and receive a stipend for their efforts.

It’s been excellent to hear from the cohorts of Parent Mentors about their experiences. Many parents have shared their plans to pursue careers in education, social work, and community development.

Interested in learning more? Share your interest by signing up to be a Parent Mentor!