The Near North Side of Chicago differs from many neighborhoods in Chicago in a few ways. Taxes and income levels are much higher, and therefore, schools and amenities in the surrounding neighborhoods are fortunate enough to benefit from these standards. Both private and public schools in the Near North Side are directly affected from these positive circumstances with better technology, interactive and caring staff, and a healthy environment.
In Oldtown, however, such a positive environment has limited the efforts to begin any Tutor/Mentor programs. With such significant funding, students have an abundance of resources in their own schools. Having such high quality educational standards and a vast curriculum are only two of the reasons why Oldtown does not have some after school programming like many other neighborhoods, which have a need for them.
Lincoln Park, even with many similarities to Oldtown, has still established outside resources for kids in the community. Christopher House is a school and an after school program that helps low-income children and their families in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The Christopher House aims to bridge the gap between low-income students with fewer resources and students with sufficient resources and higher income. (http://www.christopherhouse.org/site/PageServer)
The South Loop has an after school program that is superior to most after school programs throughout Chicago. The Boys and Girls Club is a nationwide program, therefore the structure is more stable than typical programs. This program perfectly suits the needs of student of the South Loop due to the fact that they have better schools with higher standards than most neighborhoods. (http://www.bgcc.org/)
The Uptown neighborhood of Chicago embodies the idea of Tutor/Mentor programs of the Near North Side. Housing 3 different types of tutor/mentor programs, the Uptown neighborhood suits the many diverse, educational, and social needs of a multi-cultural city, like Chicago. The neighborhood features the Robert R. McCormick Boys and Girls Club, Asian Youth Services, and Inspired Youth. All three of these programs offer students in the area support and counseling in regards to violence relating to gangs and substances as well as providing a learning environment that harbors and nurtures student’s success. The Inspired Youth center connects all aspects by having support from many organizations like the Chicago Bar association and Lawyers-Lend-A-Hand organization. The Boys and Girls Cub offers 4 distinct programs the provide financial and creative support for students of all interests. (http://www.bgcc.org/who_we_are/mccormick.asp ; http://www.inspiredyouthchicago.org/index.html)
