Midtown Center Director Named 2025 Mentoring Summit Scholar
We are thrilled to announce that Daniel Matamoros, Midtown Achievement Center Director, has been selected as one of just 10 scholars nationwide for the 2025 National Mentoring Summit in Washington, D.C. This prestigious honor includes a grant that fully covers Daniel’s tuition and travel expenses, allowing him to participate in this significant opportunity.
The selection process for scholars was rigorous, with applicants evaluated as individuals as well as the merit of their organizations.
Scholar Selection Criteria:
Scholars were selected based on their demonstrated passion for mentoring, leadership potential, eagerness to grow personally and professionally, and financial need. Their organizations were evaluated for commitment to evidence-based mentoring standards and a mission focused on empowering youth.
Daniel Matamoros (right) speaks to a Midtown mother (center) and her son (left).
About Daniel
Daniel joined the Midtown-Metro team in December 2023 as the Center Director for Midtown Achievement Center. He brings an impressive academic and professional background. Daniel holds advanced degrees in Psychology, Philosophy, Marriage and Family Counseling, and Higher Education. He is certified in personal finance education, financial aid administration, and curriculum development. As a PhD candidate, his research focuses on supporting underserved student populations through STEM identity development, financial aid innovation, and tailored educational support.
About the National Mentoring Summit
Convened annually by MENTOR during National Mentoring Month, the National Mentoring Summit gathers mentoring practitioners, researchers, philanthropic investors, youth leaders, and government officials with the shared goal of driving positive change for young people. The event offers attendees opportunities to learn from one another, form new connections, and explore best practices for strengthening and expanding the youth mentoring movement. This year’s event will take place January 30th through 31st.
Daniel’s selection as a scholar reflects his passion for mentorship, dedication to empowering youth, and leadership within Midtown Achievement Center. We congratulate Daniel on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to the impact his participation will bring to our community and beyond.
Midtown Center staff at the 31st Annual Golf for the Kids Outing on August 12, 2024. From left: Thomas Leah, Micheil Pruni, Mariano Gomez, Daniel Matamoros, Pedro Caranti.
About Midtown-Metro Achievement Centers: Midtown-Metro Achievement Centers (www.midtown-metro.org), through its Metro Achievement Center for girls and Midtown Center for boys, has helped close the achievement gap for underserved students in Chicago since its founding in 1965. Its programming, focusing on academic excellence, virtue development, individual attention, and parental engagement, has led to 100% high school graduation and college enrollment for its students for over 20 consecutive years.