Business Details
12 Years
experience
Empowering Chicago Youth Through Mentoring and College Readiness
Founded in 2014 by Bernard Lilly, College Mentoring Experience operates with a clear mission: to empower youth through structured mentoring, academic support, and college exposure programs. Our organization addresses critical gaps in educational access by providing personalized mentorship, tutoring services, and college campus tours that help students develop both academic and life skills. With a decade of experience in youth development, we leverage strategic partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations to deliver comprehensive college readiness programs.Our team of trained mentors and volunteers brings extensive expertise in educational outreach, having supported thousands of students through academic planning, financial aid workshops, and transitional support from high school to college. As a trusted Chicago-based nonprofit, we maintain authoritativeness through our proven track record of success while upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability in all our operations.
Services
1:1 Mentoring
Tutoring Services
College Campus Tours
Financial Aid Workshops
College Planning
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer 10+ years of experience in youth mentoring and college preparation
- Our personalized mentoring matches students with dedicated educational guides
- We provide exclusive college campus tour opportunities at top institutions
- Our partnerships with Sylvan Learning Center deliver professional academic support
- We combine mentoring with comprehensive college planning resources
Services
1:1 Mentoring
Our personalized mentoring program pairs students with dedicated mentors for weekly guidance. Mentors provide social, emotional, and academic support through regular communication and monthly in-person meetings. This structured approach helps students build confidence, develop life skills, and maintain academic focus throughout their educational journey.
Tutoring Services
Through our partnership with Sylvan Learning Center, students receive professional tutoring in core subjects. Our academic support includes homework assistance, test preparation, and skill-building sessions tailored to individual learning needs. Certified tutors help students improve study habits and achieve better academic performance while preparing for college entrance exams.
College Campus Tours
We organize 6-10 annual college tours to prestigious institutions, giving students firsthand exposure to campus life. These visits include academic facility tours, admissions presentations, and interactions with current students. Participants gain valuable insights into different college environments and academic programs available to them.
Financial Aid Workshops
Our workshops provide comprehensive guidance on financial aid options and college affordability. Students and families learn about scholarship opportunities, FAFSA applications, and financial planning strategies. We help participants understand different funding sources and create practical plans to finance their college education effectively.
College Planning
We offer personalized college planning services including academic goal setting and admissions strategy. Our counselors help students identify suitable institutions based on academic interests and career goals. The program includes application assistance, essay writing support, and preparation for college interviews and transition challenges.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We primarily serve middle school, high school, and early college students in the Chicago area.
How are mentors selected?
Mentors undergo background checks, interviews, and training before being matched with mentees.
Are your services free?
All our programs are provided at no cost to participants through donor support and partnerships.
How can I apply for mentoring?
Applications are available online or at our Chicago office for mentees, mentors, and volunteers.
What makes your program unique?
We combine academic support with college exposure and long-term mentoring relationships for comprehensive development.
How do donations help students?
Donations fund college tours, tutoring programs, and essential resources for student success.
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