The Wharton Youth Mentors Club brings together MBA students who share a commitment to expanding opportunity for and providing guidance and support to Philadelphia’s young people. Founded six years ago to address inequities in access to academic support and career guidance, the club engages with the community through partnerships with local organizations to offer mentorship, tutoring, and exposure to higher education. Through these programs, WYMC volunteers aim to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of middle- and high-school students across the city.
One of WYMC’s core initiatives is its tutoring program with Upward Bound, a college-preparatory organization serving students from high schools including Sayre, Overbrook, West Philadelphia, and Parkway West. Each week, volunteers meet small groups of students near Penn’s campus, sharing pizza before diving in to help with homework and applications for college and scholarships, or having broader conversations about career goals and life decisions. These sessions have played a direct role in students successfully navigating the Common App and gaining college admission. Last year, we helped a student structure his college essay to demonstrate vulnerability, strong values, and ambitious aspirations. The student’s application was successful, and he’s currently attending his WYMC mentor’s undergraduate alma mater.
In addition to tutoring, WYMC collaborates with Upward Bound, the Belmont Charter Network, Philadelphia Financial Scholars, and Penn’s Talent Search program to host events throughout the year, including career days and financial literacy workshops. These events present opportunities for MBA volunteers to draw on their professional experience to inspire and inform local students by hosting presentations or sitting on panels and answering students’ questions. WYMC also helps organize Shadow Days, during which high-school students visit Huntsman Hall, engage with MBA student volunteers, and gain firsthand insight into the possibilities in higher education by attending classes.
Over the past year, the club has grown its volunteer base and expanded its programming. Looking ahead, the WYMC board hopes to deepen its existing partnerships, establish new ones, and continue broadening its impact across Philadelphia.
Published as “Investing in the Future” in the Spring/Summer 2026 issue of Wharton Magazine.
