There is no more critical an issue in America Today than the education of our kids.  The gap between Rich and poor is growing because of the huge differences in educational opportunities available to kids in the inner cities and those in more affluent areas.  The real work and responsibility of helping these children must be shared by every business, institution and individual in Chicago and the suburbs.  We all need to continually ask "What can I do to help a brighter future a reality for our children?"

Throughout the city, more than 200 after school tutor/mentor programs are working to give children the opportunities and tools to succeed, often with limited resources and little fanfare.  The help of everyone is needed.   You can be a volunteer at one of Chicago's tutor/mentor programs, or help build a new program in neighborhoods which are now void of programs.  And you can be a sponsor by making a financial contribution to any on of these programs, or by offering the services of your company or professional organization to help build effective learning programs for the kids who attend these programs.  By connecting adults from industry and education, we broaden their expectations, help build their skills, and help prepare and motivate them the be more ready to learn when they go to school each day.

More than 100 tutor/mentor programs have joined together to help recruit volunteers for every program in the city.  The 1999 Tutor/Mentor Volunteer Recruitment Campaign "what A Difference A Day Makes!" aims to increase awareness for the more than 200,000 Chicago-area school-age children who live in educationally disadvantaged environments.  It culminates in a series of Volunteer Recruitment Fairs held throughout Chicago and the suburbs from September 9-11, where interested individuals and businesses can join in the momentum to build a better future for our children.  (see www.tutormentorconnection.org)  As the saying goes, "If it is to be, it is up to me."  The difference one volunteer can make can last a lifetime in a child's future. 

Make the commitment to a child's future today.  Our children need your help.