Mentorship
That Empowers!
At CIRCLE Foundation, mentorship is designed to equip youth with the confidence, skills, and support systems needed to take control of their future. Through consistent, one-on-one relationships, our mentors provide guidance that goes beyond academics, helping young people build self-awareness, strengthen decision-making, and navigate real-life challenges with resilience. By combining academic support, workforce readiness, and social-emotional development, this approach ensures that every participant is not just supported, but truly empowered to grow, lead, and succeed in school, career, and life.
Turning Potential Into Progress…
Youth Scholar Skills
& Service (YS3)
The Youth Scholars Skills & Service (YS3) program provides specialized mentorship and life transition support to youth involved with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and those without a high school diploma or GED. Through a structured approach that combines academic support, GED preparation, workforce development, mentorship and independent living skills training. Our handpicked mentors even guide participants toward stability and self-reliance. The program emphasizes practical life competencies such as financial literacy, housing readiness, and career planning, ensuring that vulnerable youth are equipped to transition successfully into independent adulthood.
Re-Enrolled Student
Project (RSP)
The Re-Enrolled Student Project (RSP) provides targeted mentorship and re-engagement support to youth who have previously disconnected from school and are returning to complete their education. In partnership with ASN member schools and the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), this program pairs students with dedicated mentors who address barriers such as academic gaps and inconsistent attendance. Through individualized success plans, ongoing academic coaching, and consistent accountability, RSP ensures that re-enrolled students return to the classroom and remain engaged, recover credits, and successfully progress toward graduation and post-secondary pathways.
Compass
Counseling
The Compass Counseling Program delivers trauma-informed mentorship and therapeutic support services to Title XX-eligible youth, focusing on social adjustment, emotional wellness, and behavioral rehabilitation. Through a combination of individual and group counseling, mentors and clinical staff work collaboratively to help youth process trauma, develop coping strategies, and build positive relationships. By integrating social-emotional learning with personalized guidance and crisis support, Compass empowers participants to stabilize their lives, improve decision-making, and achieve long-term personal and social success.
Youth Experiencing
Success (YES)
The Youth Experiencing Success (YES) program is a comprehensive, school-based mentorship model serving youth ages 16–21 who require alternative and individualized education pathways. Through intensive one-on-one mentoring, participants receive academic guidance, workforce readiness training, and life skills development tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Mentors act as consistent support systems, helping youth navigate educational challenges while building confidence, employability, and decision-making skills, ultimately positioning them for successful graduation, employment, and long-term self-sufficiency.
Guidance Rooted In Purpose
Our approach ensures that every young person we serve is not only supported in the moment, but prepared for a successful future.
Our Impact In
Action
At CIRCLE, mentorship is not a moment, it is a measurable pathway to success. Through consistent relationships, structured programming, and wraparound support, we ensure that every young person we serve is equipped to re-engage, persist, and thrive. Our mentorship model bridges education, workforce development, and personal growth, creating outcomes that extend far beyond the classroom. Each year, our programs serve 100+ youth across multiple mentorship tracks, support 85%+ of participants in re-engaging with education or training, achieve 80%+ program retention through consistent mentor relationships, connect 90%+ of youth to employment, internships, or workforce pathways, and provide thousands of hours of direct mentorship, coaching, and support.
