Portland - About Us

Minds Matter of Portland, chartered in 2006, is a chapter of a New York based educational organization that provides supplementary tutoring and mentoring on Saturdays for highly motivated, economically disadvantaged sophomore, junior and senior high school students who aspire to the best four year school to which they can gain admission and financial aid. Nationally, Minds Matter students have attended some of the country's top institutions including Cornell, Wesleyan, Amherst, Brown, USC, Northwestern and Harvard.
 
Students receive instruction in writing, critical thinking, vocabulary, grammar, public affairs, and math. The curriculum also includes PSAT and SAT instruction, field trips, career days, and debate. Each student is paired with two young professional mentors from the Portland business, professional, and educational community. Such connections foster lifelong friendships between bright and motivated teenagers and positive role model mentors.
 
In addition to providing instruction, Minds Matter helps place sophomores and juniors in summer college and prep school programs. Such programs bolster academic records, enhance personal aspirations and provide an introduction to the experience of attending college. For high school seniors, Minds Matter helps students apply to college and gain financial aid. This assistance includes school selection, essay writing, and navigating financial aid paperwork.
 
Minds Matter of Portland is 100% volunteer and supported by generous cash and in-kind donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Donations are used to fund formal education and cultural activities and pay the travel expenses associated with the students' summer college prep programs. Minds Matter of Portland is the recipient of generous pro-bono legal, financial, and classroom contributions from Tonkon Torp, Moss Adams, and Self-Enhancement Inc. (SEI).