Pilar Pardo

Midtown Educational Foundation (MEF) helps young men and women to become better students and better people through its sponsorship of the Metro Achievement Center for girls and Midtown Center for boys in Chicago. At the heart of MEF’s philosophy is the belief that everyone is A Very Important Person, worthy of respect and recognition and deserving of every opportunity to succeed. MEF's award-winning enrichment programs aim to develop the whole person. Midtown and Metro blend academic tutoring, character building, sports and arts, parental involvement, and constant personal attention and mentoring for students in 4-12th grade, including college preparation, scholarship opportunities, and career guidance from dynamic professionals across Chicago. Since its founding in 1965, thousands of inner-city boys and girls ages 8 to 18 have participated in MEF after school and summer programs. Alumni enter college at nearly 
five times the rate of their peers. Last year, MEF celebrated 21 Years in a Row of 100% High School Graduation Rate and College Enrollment.