School Based Mentoring
Remember recesses and hot lunches? The Big Brothers Big Sisters School Based Mentoring program lets adults be kids again – but this time they also get to be teachers.
One hour each week a volunteer works one-on-one with a school-age child. The hour allows the Big and Little to develop a friendship that can last throughout the years to come. The school based mentor works closely with the teacher and match support specialist to ensure the student is showing improvement in grades, attitude and relationships. During the summer, activities and support are provided to further the relationship until the next school year.
A teacher or counselor recommends a child for participation in the program, and parents must approve before a child is served. The volunteer must be at least 16 years old, have reliable transportation to the school, be screened through a criminal background check, if over 18, have two references and attend a one hour mandatory training. Safety of our students is always our number one concern.
Throughout the match, each volunteer is provided with support from the Big Brothers Big Sisters professional staff. Additionally, to ensure a successful match, evaluations are completed with both the mentor and student throughout the year.