Join Our Program

It All Starts Here.

Get ready to embark on an epic journey with Project OneTen! We're all about celebrating the incredible brilliance of Black and Latino/x boys as you make the leap from eighth grade to high school. Imagine a program tailor-made just for you, filled with mind-blowing adventures, top-notch academic support, personalized coaching, and a squad of awesome friends and mentors cheering you on every step of the way! Whether you're dreaming of conquering new academic challenges, exploring exciting opportunities, or simply forging lifelong friendships, Project OneTen is your ultimate launchpad for success!

Sound like fun? Don't wait any longer – discover how Project OneTen can supercharge your high school experience and set you up for success. Join us for the upcoming school year and get ready to elevate your journey to new heights! With Project OneTen by your side, the possibilities are endless, and your high school adventure is just getting started. Apply now and get ready to embark on the most epic journey of your academic career!

“Being a part of Project OneTen has been a great opportunity to take a step outside of my comfort zone and learn new things alongside my amazing mentor."

-Adam, Cohort 2 Student

“Our work is laser focused on freshman year and launching your student into high school with a strong foundation!”

-Dirrick Butler, Founder & Executive Director

Who is eligible for Project OneTen?

  • Students who identify as a Black/African American or Latino/Hispanic male

  • 8th grade students who will enter high school during the 2024-25 school year

  • Students who plan to attend a CPS high school (including Charter schools)

  • Students who can fully commit to a rigorous academic and leadership development program

  • Students who have above a 2.5 GPA

What makes our program different?

While there are many mentorship organizations for boys of color in Chicago, we recognize that not all Black and Latino/x boys are the same, and should not be forced to “fit” into a one-dimensional definition of “manhood.” To be honest, we don’t even use that language. It’s not our focus. We work intentionally to create a space where our students feel safe to self determine a future of their design, and engage with a diverse group of people exposing them to new possibilities. Building a solid foundation during freshman year is important, and we simply want to partner with our students, and share a few things that we’ve learned to help them reach their goals. Although we require a commitment to our program, we provide space for our students to try new things, engage in hobbies and activities, and even play sports, all while having their new community rooting for them every step of the way.

Hear from one of our students!

Mentorship is the cornerstone of our work. Every student is paired with a dedicated success coach that supports them throughout the school year. Donyale, a member of our third cohort, reflects on his relationship with his coach Stacey, and his favorite moments in the Project OneTen program.

Ready to join Project OneTen?

Before you begin your application, check out some of the program information below.

Program Benefits
What you can expect from us.

  • Targeted social, emotional, and academic support and resources

  • Engaging & culturally relevant monthly workshops and events that center our community and your development

  • Supportive community of caring adults and peers who encourage you to engage outside of your comfortzone to enhance maximum growth

  • A quality mentoring relationship with a dedicated young professional of color

  • Responsive community to your needs, goals, and expectations

Program Commitments
What we need from you.

  • Regularly attend and fully participate in monthly Freshman Success Workshops and events

  • Meaningfully engage with your mentor at least for 4-5 hours a month (including monthly workshops)

  • Consistently schedule and participate in weekly academic coaching sessions

  • Submit quarterly academic progress reports

  • Practice academic excellence by giving your very best when you can 

Program Dates

Our bi-weekly (twice a month) workshops are the key component of our program. Once enrolled in our program, you will receive a program calendar with workshop dates from August 2024 to June 2025.

As a program participant, students are expected to attend each workshop and engage with their coaches in between these sessions.

Our mandatory onboarding events include the following dates:

  • August 1 or August 3 - Parent & Student Orientation (10am-1pm)

  • August 8 - Welcome Dinner & Celebration (6pm)

  • August 10 & 11 - Opening Weekend Overnight Camp (NIU, Laredo Taft Camp)

  • August 14 & 15 - Level-Up Your Communication workshops (9am)

Program Application

Our student application is currently open until June 1, 2024! If you have any questions, please reach out to Adrian Villarreal - adrian@projectoneten.org