Serving Youth in Our Community

In 2010, Astellas USA Foundation became a proud sponsor of Midtown Educational Foundation's enrichment programs. Midtown Educational Foundation (MEF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1965 to help thousands of under-served, inner-city boys and girls ages 8 to 18 become better students and better people through its sponsorship of the Metro Achievement Center for girls and Midtown Center for boys in Chicago, Illinois.

One of the programs that the Foundation is funding is MEF's summer Science Program, which uses the National Science Resource Center's hands-on, project-based curriculum developed by the Smithsonian Institution. This program offers complete curriculum modules in the areas of life science, environmental science and physics or chemistry.

Building Values and Integrity

MEF's award-winning after-school and summertime programs aim to develop the whole person by teaching not just academics, but also values and integrity. Midtown and Metro blend academic tutoring, character building, sports and arts, parental involvement, and constant personal attention, including college preparation, scholarship opportunities, and career guidance from dynamic professionals across Chicago. Since the year 2000, all but one MEF senior has graduated from high school and enrolled in college. The remaining student is on track to achieve the same. A majority of these students were the first in their families to achieve college enrollment. MEF programs instill a sense of personal worth; develop young boys’ and girls' talents, character, and spirit of service; as well as strengthen academic skills and work habits so that they can complete their education and pursue a profession of their choice.