Brain Booster

Background: Brain Boosters is an after school tutor/mentor program for children in first through eighth grades.  We were established in 1994 and are located in the diverse Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago. Our mission is to provide a safe and structured atmosphere that fosters the development of interpersonal, academic, and leadership skills among children.  We believe that the cultivation of long-term relationships with peers and mentors encourages children to reach academic and socio-emotional goals.

The program currently operates on Tuesday afternoons during the Chicago Public School academic year.  A typical session consists of three components:  a time for socializing and joining in physical games and activities; a time devoted to educational enrichment sessions in a small group setting; and a time with an individual tutor/mentor.  By developing a close relationship with a mentor, the student receives homework help, improves study habits, and learns healthier socialization skills.

Focus: Tutoring and playing with neighborhood kids including non English-speaking recent refugees.

Our Role: North Parkers are assigned 1 to 2 kids per volunteer, for a whole semester/year. We help these students with their homework, provide an opportunity to boost their self-esteem, and improve their socialization skills.

Time Commitment: 2hrs weekly

Typical Volunteer Work Day: Arrive at the church at about 3:30 and hang out with kids in the gym, kitchen, or studying area for games. At 4:00 tutors  find the kids they are working with and assist with homework/ educational activities (reading, flashcards, worksheets), or play educational games until 5:30. During a portion of this time, students and tutors will participate in a literacy enrichment activity led by the literacy coordinator. After the students leave at 5:30,  tutors spend a few minutes filling out an evaluation on how time was spent that day and voicing any questions or concerns.

Contact:
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church: Kristin Gilbert; Director 
youthdirector@christchurchchicago.com
Tel: (773) 478-7941

Site Rating:
This site is particularly beneficial to those interested in learning more about other cultures and or honing their intercultural communication skills. Majors: Education, Cross-cultural studies, Service, Ministry

Directions to Site:
Head south on Spaulding, past the “L” tracks about a block and a half.  The church is on your left hand side--at the corner of Spaulding and Wilson.  The church address is 4541 N. Spaulding.