By Phil Thompson

NABJ-Chicago VP of Print

The challenges black teens face on the West and South sides are documented almost daily in newscasts and articles, and iMentor Chicago addresses their needs on a ground level.

iMentor, which was created in 1999, pairs college-educated professionals with students from low-income areas to mentor them through three years of high school, communicating online each week and meeting in person monthly.

Recently, the group made an appeal to NABJ-Chicago’s members to volunteer North-Grand High School, Crane Medical Preparatory High School, Phoenix Military Academy and, starting this fall, Chicago Military Academy.

Manager of Community Engagement Cicely Tatum-Johnson said volunteers will find plenty of staff support and guidance to help them connect with students.

“It’s low impact on your time but a high impact on students and the future,” Tatum-Johnson said.

To apply to become a mentor, visit imentor.org.