ABOUT IMP
The Illini Mentor Program is a student-directed initiative at the University of Illinois that works closely with children in the Champaign-Urbana community. IMP focuses on the academic, personal, and social development of our students while striving to integrate university life with the community.
One-on-one mentoring
College students from Illinois meet with their “mentee” once a week throughout the school year at one of three sites in the Urbana-Champaign area. It is not uncommon for mentor-mentee pairs to work together for multiple years! The bonds created between our mentors and mentees is truly special!
Our Mission
The Illini Mentor Program is an award-winning registered student organization at the University of Illinois dedicated to fostering meaningful and consistent mentoring relationships between University students and children in the local community with the goal of supporting learning, growth, skill-building, and interracial and cultural understanding. As a co-curricular service-learning organization, IMP provides opportunities for Illinois students to learn more about the community and build leadership skills as they take an active role in promoting positive youth development.​
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IMP’s mission includes engaging students in the process of building bridges between the University of Illinois and the surrounding community, which can lead to productive and mutually beneficial dialogue, capacity-building, and a commitment to civic responsibility.
Our History
IMP developed out of a youth mentoring program that was the centerpiece of an academic service-learning course taught in the Department of Psychology in the Spring of 2004. Through student leadership and relationship-building in the community, IMP was created as a co-curricular service-learning organization that could provide structure and support to sustain an effective mentoring program. IMP initiated its pilot program at Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club in the Spring of 2005 and operated programs at the Boys and Girls Club and Stratton Elementary School from 2005-2009. Prairie Elementary School (renamed Dr. Williams Elementary School) became IMP’s new partner in the Fall of 2009.
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Today, IMP facilitates an active site-based mentoring program during the fall/spring semesters in collaboration with DREAAM, Dr. Williams Elementary School, and Thomas Paine Elementary School. The program at DREAAM operates on Saturdays mornings and is open to children ages 8-10. The after-school programs at Dr. Williams and Thomas Paine Elementary School run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and are open to children in 3rd-5th grade.
Recognition
IMP strives for excellence as a learning organization and is committed to best practices in mentoring and community engagement. We have been privileged to receive the following honors and appreciate the support and recognition we’ve received from our community partners.
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Awards
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2018 Outstanding Service Impact Award (Office of Volunteer Programs)
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2013-14 Campus Award for Excellence in Public Engagement
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2014 McKinley Foundation Social Justice Award
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2012 McKinley Foundation Social Justice Award Honorable Mention
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2011 Outstanding Service Award (Office of Volunteer Programs)
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2008 Robert P. Larsen Human Development Award (Counseling Center)
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2008 Outstanding Service Award (Office of Volunteer Programs)
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2006 T.I.S Bookstore Outstanding Student Organization Award
