The Program

The PCO program is designed to support the long-term academic achievement and social and emotional growth of our students. Each year we will enroll 10 at-risk middle school girls and guide them through a tutoring and mentoring program that provides sustained intervention and resources throughout their middle school, high school and post-secondary education. Additionally, students who remain in our program through high school will receive financial support to a selected college, university or vocational education program.

Tutoring Component

PCO will locate the program in different regions throughout Chicago, at an educational institution that shares our mission and provides a nurturing environment for our students. PCO staff will create a Support Plan of Instruction for each participant based on her academic, social and emotional strengths and the instructional goals of the classroom teacher. Students will meet twice a week with the same tutor and receive individualized instruction in the following target areas:

• Knowledge – Students will be tutored to ensure mastery of basic skills around the following content areas: Reading and Math Literacy, Communication, Health and Wellness.
• Faith – Students will be encouraged to develop faith in themselves and others through group discussions and activities around the following content areas: Trustworthiness, Respect, Honesty and Courage.
• Service – Students will participate in a community service activity in order to enhance the following values: Responsibility, Empathy, Fairness, Citizenship and Ethics.

Mentoring Component

PCO believes that with the help and guidance of an adult mentor, each student can discover her potential. Our mentoring program will pair a student with a trained, adult mentor who will serve as a role model and advocate, helping her work toward her academic and personal goals. Student and mentor will maintain weekly contact and participate in a monthly PCO sponsored activity that aligns with the student’s goals.

Parenting Component

The involvement of parents is essential to the success of students. For this reason PCO wishes to make parents our partners by communicating regularly and scheduling monthly workshops that provide useful, practical information to empower parents with the resources to navigate the school system and understanding that they are a key to their child’s success.