YLS mentors Chicago youth
By: Liz deAvila
On Thursday, Feb., 18, 11 Young Leaders Society (YLS) members took time out of their busy schedules to help high school students at the Bronzeville Chicago Youth Center prepare for the college scholarship application process. YLS members were joined by the Chicago Youth Center (CYC) College and Career Readiness staff. The mission of the Chicago Youth Center is to “invest in youth in underserved communities in Chicago to help them discover and realize their full potential.” By mentoring these young students, YLS members were able to help them maximize their chances of receiving a scholarship and a higher education.
The evening began by breaking into small groups with the students to review a sample scholarship application. YLS members shared insights with the students on their own college preparation and application process, and worked with the youth on developing ideas for their personal statements.
The groups also participated in brainstorming activities and discussed essay formatting. After assisting with the scholarship application, YLS members held one-on-one mock college scholarship interviews with each student. CYC staff videotaped some of the interviews to use in future college and career readiness counseling.
Toward the end of the event YLS members shared their observations from the mock interviews and encouraged the students to keep reaching for their goals.
“I have a loss of words with describing my feelings towards the mentoring event,” said Maceo Thompson, YLS member. “Twenty years ago, I was sitting at the other side of the table. My role at that time was to listen and absorb the wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience from those who wanted to expose me to something more than my immediate surroundings. And, thanks to them, I learned that the city wasn’t limited to my community.”
The event at CYC was a wonderful opportunity for YLS members to spend quality time with students preparing for college, and it provided the students with an opportunity to ask our YLS members about their college experiences and career paths. To learn more about the event, check out a blog by Jasmine Shaw, YLS Communications Committee Vice Chair.
