After-School Academy

Monday through Thursday, 3:30–6:00 PM at 14 Chicago locations. Our trained tutors and program facilitators help students from grades 5–12 with homework, test prep, and subject-area tutoring in math, science, reading, and writing. Snacks provided. Transportation assistance available.

Eligibility: Students ages 10–18 attending Chicago Public Schools or a partner school.

How to Enroll: Contact us at info@brightfuturesfoundation.org or ask your school counselor. Enrollment is open at the start of each semester, and we maintain a waitlist throughout the year.

Mentor Connect

Our flagship mentorship program pairs students ages 12–17 with vetted adult professionals for one-on-one mentoring over a minimum 12-month commitment. Mentors meet with their student at least twice a month — in person or virtually — and receive full training and ongoing support from our staff. We carefully match students and mentors based on interests, background, and goals.

Mentor profiles include: engineers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, attorneys, and more.

Become a Mentor: Volunteer applications open year-round at our Chicago office. Background check required. Most mentors report that the experience gives them as much as they contribute.

Career Launch

For students ages 16–18, Career Launch is a 16-week career exploration and placement program running each spring. Students rotate through informational interviews, job shadowing, resume workshops, and mock interviews, culminating in an internship or apprenticeship placement with one of our 60+ employer partners. Participants receive a stipend for the internship portion of the program.

2026 Employer Partners include: Advocate Health, Motorola Solutions, Chicago Architecture Center, DePaul University, United Airlines, Chicago Park District, and more.

Applications: Open each December for the following spring cohort. Space is limited to 40 participants. Priority given to students who have participated in After-School Academy or Mentor Connect.