“Minds Matter helped me realize that neither your economic nor your social circumstances define your future.”
Melisa, Class of 2016
Our Story
In 1991, six Wall Street professionals established Minds Matter in New York City to mentor high-achieving, low-income high school students who had the potential and ambition to pursue a college education but lacked the resources to achieve that dream. Since then, Minds Matter has grown into a national organization with fourteen chapters across the United States in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Southern California, New York City, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco, the Twin Cities, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
Each year, students are guided through valuable lessons in Academic Preparedness, Writing & Critical Thinking, Leadership, Social-Emotional Learning, and SAT Preparation.
We have expanded to serve both Los Angeles and Orange County, and are looking forward to serving more of Southern California.
Our Values
We’re open and inclusive
We’re welcoming, warm, and authentic, inviting each individual to bring their whole selves and unique perspectives. We always keep an open mind, looking to learn from each other and elevate our diverse identities.
We’re dreamers and doers
We dream big about creating a better, more equitable world and hold ourselves accountable to make it happen for our students, each other, and society. With creativity and courage, we turn barriers into opportunities and celebrate each win, big and small, along the way.
We’re all in
We go all in, all the time — committing to our goals with unwavering dedication and focus. We’re lifelong learners who are unafraid to tackle the tough challenges and conversations and do what it takes to achieve results.
We’re better together
We believe that strength comes from unity. That community and collaboration are essential to progress. And that only together, when everyone’s voice is heard, can we affect change within everyday systems, our society, and our world..
“Nothing in the world can pay for all the effort Minds Matter put into guiding our children so the path to college is less difficult for them.”
Minds Matter Parent, CLASS OF 2020
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