Elev8 Chicago Parent Programs Making an Impact
The Parent Mentor Program at Ames Middle School in Chicago's Logan Square section has trained parents as mentors to work in classrooms and participate in truancy outreach, thanks to the Elev8 grant from The Atlantic Philanthropies. Principal Thomas Hoffman attributes the two percent rise in attendance over the last two years to the efforts of parent mentors.
Parents in the program are also encouraged to pursue their own goals, such as enhancing their educational achievements and finding employment.
Many parents have taken advantage of ESL or GED classes offered at Ames and four other schools in the area. At least 18 parent mentors have enrolled in the "Grow Your Own" program, which helps Logan Square residents gain undergraduate degrees in education and then provides local schools with willing teachers who are familiar with the community. At Marquette Elementary School, parent mentors' responsibilities include training new parent mentors, helping with student paperwork and making sure students get to the necessary healthcare appointments offered at the schools. They are also encouraged to pursue leadership positions, since they are very involved in day-to-day student life. Parent mentors have gone on to become program coordinators, chairs of school committees and lead education advocacy initiatives. |
There is some evidence that participants in school-based out-of-school-time programs “did their homework more consistently and, in some cases, achieved higher grades in school.”
Learn More
