About Our Program

Weekly Five-Hour Instruction and Mentoring Sessions

Students are paired with two dedicated young professional volunteers who act as mentors. Mentors provide support throughout the school year, coaching students through professional development workshops, summer program and college applications, personal statement writing, and more. Mentors dedicate three full years to their mentee, to accompany them through high school graduation and college matriculation.

Writing, Public Speaking, and Other Soft Skill Development

We provide opportunities for students to cultivate literary and soft skills that are critical to leadership and achievement. Through discussions and debates about current events and articles, interview workshops, public speaking opportunities, written work, and more, students develop tools to help prepare for success in college.

Free SAT or ACT Preparation

In the test preparation program, students focus on either the ACT or SAT and receive small-group instruction using both online and traditional test prep resources. On average, our students see a significant increase in their test performance after participating in the program—an average of 230 points from the fall of their sophomore year to the fall of their senior year.

Hands on Support Throughout the College Application Process

From UCs to CSUs to non-California public to private schools across the US, 100% of MMBay students have earned acceptance into a four-year institution. Mentors and financial aid advisors help students set high expectations and strategically apply to schools that match their academic goals and are best positioned to provide high levels of financial aid. Students are guided through the application process with personal statement workshops, consistent feedback on target schools, and financial aid consultation.

Attendance at Academic Summer Programs

Minds Matter provides funding for students to attend academic summer programs across the US. These summer programs let students get a taste of college-life and explore a new subject or career path. Students take courses across a wide variety of disciplines including psychology, computer science, biology, medicine, business, and architecture. Some students choose to participate in research internships with university professors or to gain hands-on experience in coding at local technology companies. Some have attended summer programs at Boston University, Brown University, Georgetown University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of Chicago, University of Michigan, and University of Pennsylvania.