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Become a
HFS Mentor

Help a Scholar by donating your time. Sing up to become a mentor today!

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What is HFS?

Since 1993 HFS Chicago Scholars has provided financial support and mentoring to economically disadvantaged students who attend a Chicago-area private high school and show academic and leadership promise.

Mentors …

Commit to connecting with their scholar monthly for at least two years.
Complete a background check and mandated reporter training.
Understand the goals and responsibilities of the scholar.
Attend mentor orientation and annual kickoff event.
Attend three events and one director meeting with their scholar each year.
Act as role models and provide emotional support and guidance.
Are open to learning from people of different backgrounds.

Scholars …

Maintain a B average over a 4-year period.
Attend mandatory HFS events including college tours and quarter events.
Meet monthly with their Director of Academics.
Connect with their mentor every month.
Seek positions of leadership in their school and community.
Complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service each year.
Demonstrate respect, responsibility, perseverance and a positive attitude.

Mentor & Scholar Stories

Click on the photos of our scholars and mentors to learn more about them!
Shiloh C. Ashley A

Ashley A. & Shiloh C.

Mentor & Scholar

Chasitie N. Jameela L

Chasitie N. & Jameela L.

Mentor & Scholar

Karah W. Camila M

Karah W. & Camila M.

Mentor & Scholar

volunteer

Neal H. & Mario R.

Mentor & Scholar

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Volunteer for an Event

There are many ways to volunteer with HFS Chicago Scholars. Please email us your information and let us know what events or ways you are most interested in and someone from our staff will contact you soon.

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Ashley A. & Shiloh C.

"When I started volunteering as a mentor with HFS Chicago Scholars, I thought that I would be the one teaching and sharing my insight around navigating college, career readiness, and generally my experience as the CEO of a nonprofit here in Chicago. What I didn't expect was to learn as much or more from Ashley as what I would ever be able to share with her. Ashley is such a driven, intelligent, and hard-working person- the amount on her plate never fails to blow my mind but she is almost single-minded in her determination to succeed and to use her career to help others as a pediatrician. Although we definitely talk about things like the FAFSA (boring), SATs (stressful), and school (soooo much homework), my favorite part has been the opportunity to think back to my 17-year-old self and share things I wish I had been told. I wish I had been a part of HFS in my high school days and I feel so fortunate to be a part of this organization and to work with a scholar as amazing as Ashley! Whether we're ice skating, talking about her swim team, or just exploring what her career and college options are, her determination to always learn, grow, and thrive has been such an inspiration to me."
— Mentor Shiloh C.

Ashley A. & Shiloh C.

"When I started volunteering as a mentor with HFS Chicago Scholars, I thought that I would be the one teaching and sharing my insight around navigating college, career readiness, and generally my experience as the CEO of a nonprofit here in Chicago. What I didn't expect was to learn as much or more from Ashley as what I would ever be able to share with her. Ashley is such a driven, intelligent, and hard-working person- the amount on her plate never fails to blow my mind but she is almost single-minded in her determination to succeed and to use her career to help others as a pediatrician. Although we definitely talk about things like the FAFSA (boring), SATs (stressful), and school (soooo much homework), my favorite part has been the opportunity to think back to my 17-year-old self and share things I wish I had been told. I wish I had been a part of HFS in my high school days and I feel so fortunate to be a part of this organization and to work with a scholar as amazing as Ashley! Whether we're ice skating, talking about her swim team, or just exploring what her career and college options are, her determination to always learn, grow, and thrive has been such an inspiration to me."
— Mentor Shiloh C.

Chasitie N. & Jameela L.

“The mentorship program gives you additional support with not just academics, but also life situations you may come across. HFS itself is a family of MENTORS and I feel so blessed to be a part of it.”
— Scholar Jameela L.

Chasitie N. & Jameela L.

“The mentorship program gives you additional support with not just academics, but also life situations you may come across. HFS itself is a family of MENTORS and I feel so blessed to be a part of it.”
— Scholar Jameela L.

Karah W. & Camila M.

“As someone who didn’t have a mentor until college, I recognize the value of mentorship. My favorite part about being an HFS mentor is witnessing my scholar’s growth from freshman through senior year. It’s an honor to play a role in the process by providing guidance and advice taken from my own experiences.”
— Mentor Karah W.

Karah W. & Camila M.

“As someone who didn’t have a mentor until college, I recognize the value of mentorship. My favorite part about being an HFS mentor is witnessing my scholar’s growth from freshman through senior year. It’s an honor to play a role in the process by providing guidance and advice taken from my own experiences.”
— Mentor Karah W.

Neal H. & Mario R.

“Supporting a mentee and becoming close friends with them as they grow and excel academically, athletically, and socially has been an incredibly rewarding experience.”
— Mentor Neal H.

Neal H. & Mario R.

“Supporting a mentee and becoming close friends with them as they grow and excel academically, athletically, and socially has been an incredibly rewarding experience.”
— Mentor Neal H.