Although academics are a huge part of our focus when it comes to educating and advancing kids, we at PEAK also try to give our scholars a broad look at career possibilities to pique their interest. Last semester, some of our mentors led panel presentations on their own paths to success in the financial and healthcare fields to give students a look at what those careers might offer them. Each of the presenters was at one time in a similar position as our PEAK scholars - not qu

Supporting our scholars and mentors as they build their relationships is a very important part of what we do at PEAK, and we know they love to get together for fun. So just before the holidays we held a Bollywood event to explore movement, get our dance on and enjoy some delicious food together! Led by an instructor from the Chicago dance company Bollywood Groove, mentors and scholars were introduced to Indian traditional dancing during the session and learned how the dance m

We are so thrilled that this year’s PEAK-A-thon was such a great success - we raised more than $90,000 thanks to everyone’s dedicated efforts! All of our scholars Rebounded Together after an incredibly tough 2021, and were excited to lead and embolden the entire PEAK community to Pay It Forward to help expand next year’s freshman class of PEAK scholars and give more Chicago youth a chance to build their futures. Every year, there are mentors and scholars who work extraordinar

PEAK Mentor Samantha Schafer loves learning. And she doesn’t want it to be a solitary event - for herself or anyone else. "I want to help others learn, but I also love to learn myself," she said. The more, the merrier, she feels. It's that combination of generosity and curiosity that inspired Sam to leave a burgeoning career in marketing and become a nurse. It’s also an approach that’s spurred her as a mentor to both listen and lead - because mentoring a scholar is often a wa