Background: Started in 1996 by a student who wanted to make a difference in her neighborhood, this program has always had a strong focus on tutoring and homework help. In past years, this program has existed in a different format, under a different name, but today, traditions from the past 6 years survive in the mentality and motivation that drive volunteers to commit countless hours pouring in to the lives of local middle school students, now in coaching basketball and hanging out after school, as well as helping students academically.

Focus: Connecting North Park students with middle-school students at Albany Park Multicultural Academy to create a mutually-beneficial relationship in which we can encourage them to grow up as healthy individuals, striving to be their best selves academically, athletically, and in their personal relationships.

Our Role: The unique neighborhood of North Park, within Albany Park, provides an environment in which we, as an upper educational community, can gather to serve our community, as role-models and teachers for a younger generation.

Sites:
Boys Basketball Team
Girls Basketball Team
Homework Center

Requirements: Chicago Public Schools require that all volunteers fill out appropriate applications and informational paperwork before working in the school building. Additionally, they may require background checks and proof of immunizations.

Training: We have an informational meeting at the beginning of each year that explains the program and its expectations, as well as volunteer orientation to be attended prior to beginning the programs.

Program Rating: This program is designed for volunteers who have a strong desire to build into the lives of adolescent youth and make a difference in their neighborhood. Volunteers from many different educational majors and backgrounds may find their niche here.

Location: Just one block South of North Park’s Helwig Athletic Facilities, Albany Park Multicultural Academy is located on Sawyer Avenue, across the street from Hibbard Elementary school, and a very short walk from anywhere on campus.

Student Coordinator: Megan Hodgkinson