I grew up on the West Side of Chicago, and even though I had a loving family to support me, I went through some hard times. I lost a parent, moved to a new neighborhood, supported my mom during her unemployment, and didn't feel like I fit in at school.

Through all of this, I had the Chicago Lights Tutoring program. My relationship with Mark and Rebecca, my tutors/mentors (who also happen to be married), set me up for success.

No matter what I was going through, Mark and Rebecca made me feel welcomed and loved at Tutoring. They were there for me in every part of my life, academically and personally--and always with compassion. They helped me get excited about reading, prepare for spelling bees, and later apply for college and  summer internships.

Lavelle (left) and his tutor/mentor, Mark, at our Tutoring senior night in 2018

Now I want to become a clinical psychologist so that I can give back and return the kindness I've been shown. 

I am just one of the thousands of students whose lives have been positively impacted by the Chicago Lights Tutoring program. As the fifty-fifth year of Tutoring kicks off on September 30, there are 440 more students like me who  need your support. 

Through your generosity we can make sure many more young people can benefit from the same one-to-one mentoring relationships I had--and still have today.

Please make a gift today online.