Programs
Scholarship
Since 1995, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland & Salem Counties has been offering scholarships to youth in our programs who are graduation from high school. The first scholarship was in memory of Jerry Smith and was awarded to a high school student graduating from Cumberland Regional High School. That scholarship is now known as the Jerry Smith Memorial Scholarship.
Since 2014, the average scholarship award has been $1,000 and awarded to High School Bigs, matched Littles, waiting Littles, and children of volunteers and staff.
In addition to academic scholarships our agency has also offered scholarships for enrichment programs such as summer camps and other extracurricular activities.
Fact Sheet
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the leader in mentoring services to children. It is the nation’s largest volunteer-driven, staff-supported network. An independent national study surveyed our programs and methods spanning a five-year period. They found that youth involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs were more likely to improve their grades, graduate from high school, and stay out of trouble.
Bigs + littles = matches
Big Brothers Big Sisters matches school age children with mentors in professionally supported one-to-one relationships. We target the children who need us the most, including those living in single parent homes, growing up in poverty, lose of a parent, and coping with parental incarceration. Our services are very unique in their combination of informal friendship with the support of professional case management.
How a big becomes a big
And a little a little
A lot of things have to happen before we make a match. All of our Bigs go through a thorough background check and careful interview process. We then match Bigs and Littles based on location, personalities and preferences. We provide full support along the way — so that matches can grow into lasting friendships.
What bigs and littles do
- Playing Ball
- Sharing a pizza
- Taking a walk in the park
- Playing a board game
- Or just hanging out and talking
Agency Activities
In addition to our one-to-one mentoring programs, we facilitate several wrap-around support opportunities that include food assistance, back-to-school supplies drive, and group activities throughout the year such as our Easter Egg Dash, Big Splash Summer Picnic, and holiday party.
Interested in getting involved?
Our Big Brother Big Sisters Information Sessions provide an overview of our mentoring programs and the impact they have in our communities plus ways that YOU can get involved as a volunteer, community partner, or supporter
Become a donor to ignite potential
Calls come in every day from parents, teachers and guidance counselors. They know what a difference a mentor can make in a child’s life. Think about a child who has wished for a Big Brother or Big Sister. Someone to have fun with and confide in. Someone to be a mentor. A guide. A friend. Now … think of how your gift could make a difference in that child’s life.
Your Gift Can help
defend the potential of
youth In our community
Donate now - Helping us to recruit new Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers
- Ensuring that trained professionals match children to caring and responsible Bigs
- Offering one-to-one, ongoing supervision & support for every match
- Providing cultural and social activities to enrich the opportunities for children