Meet Clif Clarke: Get Inspired by Clif’s Commitment to Making a Difference

Clifton Clark is no stranger to leadership and service. As a physician and Chief Medical Officer at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Tutoring Chicago, Clif brings empathy and commitment to everything he does, including his role as a volunteer tutor.

Seven years ago, Clif was searching for a way to give back—something hands-on, impactful, and aligned with his skills. He found Tutoring Chicago and says he felt “very lucky” to discover an opportunity that matched his desire to serve. Inspired by his own son’s positive experience with tutoring, Clif wanted to ensure that every child, regardless of background, could access high-quality educational support.

Over his time as a tutor, Clif has worked with several students, building strong relationships and watching them grow academically and personally. “The fact that we are able to tutor these students consistently throughout an entire school year…it makes the experience very rewarding for both the tutor and the student.”

Clif’s current student, Jeremy, has shown measurable improvement in his assessments. Clif also says “he’s more engaged with learning…and he’s become more comfortable and confident, which is probably more important than anything I could have [taught through] tutoring.” While the pair works hard each session, Clif admits that they have a lot of fun, too. He still laughs about the time Jeremy joked that his favorite part of tutoring was the snacks. These moments of levity demonstrate the level of comfort the pair has built over time.

Beyond the individual impact, as a Board member Clif has witnessed the evolution of Tutoring Chicago firsthand. Year over year, he says, the organization has improved its communication, streamlined technology, and enhanced coordination—making the experience smoother for both tutors and families.

Looking ahead, given the strong growth and evolution of the program over sixty years, Clif predicts a bright future in which Tutoring Chicago will continue to meet the need for free tutoring and mentoring for Chicago students who need it most.