What makes MEF unique? MEF supports after-school and summertime enrichment programs for Chicago urban youth through the Midtown Center for boys and the Metro Achievement Center for girls. Midtown and Metro are "off-site" learning centers bringing together students from communities in need of educational resources all over the city of Chicago. We believe that a safe place out-of-school just for boys and just for girls creates a unique learning environment for the healthy development of a well-rounded child. While programs for the gifted or for remedial students are more readily available, MEF targets the untapped potential of those often forgotten in-between: the academically average student and their parents. We believe that both focusing on the 'academic middle' and proactively supporting parents achieve real gains, further helping schools achieve their mission to close the achievement gap. We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children, and consistent adult mentors are necessary for positive youth development. At his inauguration, Mayor Rahm Emanuel implored, "Parents must get off the sidelines and get involved with their child's education. 
The most important door to a child's education is the front door of the home. 
And nothing I do at the schools can ever replace that." By pairing each student with the same mentor throughout the year and helping parents get engaged in their child's academic and personal development, MEF unlocks the potential for success.