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Mentorship & Advocacy Program Mission

The Mentoring & Advocacy Program (MAP) is a hybrid school and community based mentoring program charged with the mission of promoting school engagement for high-need CPS high school students.  MAP employs Mentor Advocates from community agencies in order to motivate students to:

• remain engaged in school and academically on track through graduation
• improve behavior
• utilize school based and community resources
• reduce truancy

The MAP mentoring approach is grounded in an asset based philosophy that believes in the intrinsic strength of students.  Through advocacy and the establishment of trusting relationships with mentors, students increase their competency and capacity to thrive academically and socially.

MAP achieves these goals through a comprehensive mentoring model that includes individual intensive case management, facilitation of innovative programming, the strengthening of school and community partnerships and connection to resources based on student need.  

MAP – Mentorship & Advocacy Program Testimonies

Mentor Perspective

“The progress that I have seen from the mentees that I have been working with is a little shocking! I came into this job with an open mind, but I didn’t think that I would get this kind of response. The mentees that work with me the most are showing vast social improvements as well as academic excitement. Three of my mentees have already applied for numerous colleges; one has been accepted to Kentucky State.”

- Mentor from UCAN

Student Perspective

“We learn stuff at school, but here, here you give us knowledge. Stuff we don’t learn at school, but can help us at school.”

- 14 year old South Shore CPS student engaged in MAP through Chicago Youth Centers

Vendor Perspective

MAP provides these children an opportunity to develop health self esteem; improve their educational competencies; identify the careers in which they have the greatest opportunities for success; and to learn information that challenges their way of thinking, which in many instances was what led them to the academic problems they have experience in their lives.”

- Administrator of MAP services at Phalanx Family Services

School Perspective

We believe that a large majority of students demonstrate a more positive attitude toward school, family, community, and life in general after participating in MAP.  While all of life’s problems have certainly not been solved for everyone, in general, students seem more motivated to lead successful lives and are more understanding of the idea that it takes hard work to do so.  Many of these young men and women now spontaneously express gratitude toward those who help them, whereas several months ago they may not have.  We have also observed them wishing to help others and take into consideration others’ needs, whereas several months ago they may not have.  We have witnessed students who previously would get into arguments with teachers now proactively find peaceful resolutions to conflicts in the classroom.  They are demonstratively more open to new experiences, more appreciative of people and places that differ from what they are most familiar with, and are more willing to accept help from others (especially adults) and invest in pro-social relationships.

 -Kelly High School Administator