We interviewed Jacqui Logan, a first-generation college student and Lion's Pride Alumna of 2019-2020, about education and empowerment before the announcement of the Supreme Court's ruling.

Students have expressed an increased sense of belonging after participating in the Lion’s Pride community. Having the opportunity to feel known, named, and noticed, supports three pillars of the belonging process mentioned in the Spring Research Institute article on How to Build Belonging.

​The team at Lion’s Pride Mentoring has always set out to empower young people to serve as leaders in their communities, believing that students are best equipped to identify and solve student problems. Over the course of this school year, Lion’s Pride Mentoring plans to expand the power of students in the program. One new method for increased student voice comes with the addition of “Bigs Only” sessions.

Abdoullaye Doucoure, former Big at Baker College Prep, returned to the Lion’s Pride Mentoring organization earlier this month. Abdoullaye will serve as the fall intern for the organization as he continues his studies at Western Illinois University, pursuing a degree in broadcasting production. When asked why he applied for the position, Abdoullaye stated, “I want to grow and experience behind the scenes work of nonprofits and build community bonds between people and resources.”

This school year, our students had an 88% attendance rate at a time when chronic absenteeism in Illinois has nearly doubled from 11% pre-pandemic to 21% in the last year! Just as our program provides mentorship to struggling ninth grade students, we are also able to bring students different opportunities, resources, and even a chance to intern with Lion’s Pride Mentoring.