Disney II Civics Mentor Program

About Us

Disney II Magnet High is a 7th-12th grade school located in the neighborhood Irving Park in Chicago. As a magnet school Disney II is a diverse school attracting students from all around the city that integrates competency based education and project based learning.

Mr. Kelly’s 8th grade civics class will consist of a semester-long project that culminates with a student presentation to a community mentor panel and participation in a Civics Night exhibition displaying their community topic.  

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Goal of the Mentor program

Help students discover more about their community topics, create opportunities for teens to interact and provide feedback authentically from diverse community members and policymakers through project based learning. 

Why Civics Matters?

In 2019 the Illinois General Assembly found that teens had major deficiencies in civics education and signed into law requirements that all 8th grade students complete one semester of Civics. 

Teens today are more aware of social issues and civic injustices through the exposure of news, social media, and literacy. Partnering  with the Disney II mentor program provides students the opportunity to explore topics that matter to them and their immediate community, but also receive authentic feedback from community members that have unique insights and experiences.

We need your help!

We are looking for mentors from all backgrounds, communities and careers to participate in conversations with teens about civic responsibilities, rights, and building community. 

Mentor Requirements

Time Commitment

Student Topic Choices

*If you know someone that is involved in one of these fields please consider reaching out to them and asking if they would be willing to participate.

2022

Successes

 In 2022, we started with a new civics format, that built on previous years of student letter writing to persons in power and virtual community forums. Last year we had approximately 4o mentors representing a variety of local organizations and city agencies. The course culminated with Civics Nights where students presented their final projects about their community topic. Check out our featured article in Chicago Block Club

CIVICS NIGHT @ Disney II