What Makes Our Program Model Unique & Effective?

Length, Intensity and Variety
of Interventions

Minds Matter stands out because of the length, intensity and variety of the interventions we provide to our students. We are
a four-year, immersive experience that, for many students, defines their high school careers. Each Saturday from September to May, mentees receive ACT prep, college advising and mentorship, and writing and critical thinking programming. Mentors and mentees meet with purpose;
they complete a college-readiness lesson plan guided by a consistent program leader. In total, the students receive over 1,200 hours of outside-of-school learning time over the course of the program.

We serve our students holistically, emphasizing both academic and social-emotional development. Our college-prep lessons include self-advocacy, identity building, college knowledge, mock interviews, and more. The design of the program ensures that our student are set-up for success in college and in life.

Quality of Mentorship

Minds Matter utilizes a unique 2:1 mentorship model, which pairs each student with two adult mentors. The program intentionally matches each student with two co-mentors with different family backgrounds, college experiences, career paths, and networks so that each student is exposed to a diversity of perspectives and examples of success. The 2:1 model improves upon the traditional 1:1 model by ensuring that students receive well-rounded support within the framework, creating the greatest potential for building transformative relationships. 

College Immersive Summer Programs

Minds Matter utilizes experiential learning to demystify college life by sponsoring each student to attend a college-immersion summer program. During the summers after Sophomore and Junior year, students live on campus and take college courses at some of the nation’s top institutions, including Brown University, Harvard University, New York University, Northwestern University, and Stanford University. Through these experiences, mentees are encouraged to explore new areas of academic study, practice self-advocacy, and gain relevant, first-hand college experiences. These programs are critical for our first-generation mentees for whom college can seem especially daunting and out-of-reach. 

Our Volunteer Structure

Minds Matter is a volunteer-driven, lean organization with
only seven full-time employees. To achieve our mission, we
have the support of 450+ volunteers serving as mentors
or providing operational support. We offer meaningful,
high-touch volunteer opportunities where our volunteers
are just as impacted as our students.

Our Program Works. The Results Speak For Themselves.

Testimonials From Our Successful Alumni