Adult School Based Mentoring

Adult Mentors in the School Setting

It may sound obvious, but sometimes the best place to help a child realize their potential is at school. Children enjoy having their Bigs meet with them there, whether it’s in the classroom or on the playground. The School Based Mentoring Program matches children to adult volunteers for one-to-one mentoring within the school setting – in the classroom, computer room, library, cafeteria for lunch, or another set location. Adult School Based mentors are not tutors, but they may help the child with their reading by reading a book together, they may also play sports or computer games, or simply talk about life and personal issues – just as friends do. The adult mentor visits the child on a consistent basis during an approved period of the day. Big Brothers Big Sisters staff works with the school personnel and the volunteer to identify the appropriate time of day to meet and provides support for the ongoing relationship. A member of the school staff also acts as a liaison to meet the needs of everyone involved.

Special programs within the Adult School Based Program:

• Veteran’s as Bigs: This school based opportunity is for active duty and retired military individuals to mentor children at Veterans Memorial School. The mentors share their life experiences which includes being in the service, they talk about the appreciation and respect of the military, and about career opportunities in armed forces.
• School-Based PLUS: This school based opportunity is for traditional school-based matchs to enjoy a few activities outside the school setting. In addition to visits with the Little at school, they may occasionally spend time together outside of the school setting. This is a great way for the Big to encourage hobbies and outside interests while sharing valuable one-to-one time with their Little.

School-based mentoring is not a tutoring program. However, research has shown that of all children matched with a Big in school:

• 58% improved their school performance
• 65% showed higher levels of self-confidence
• 55% had a better attitude toward school

It’s teacher-approved.

Some of the biggest supporters of our School-Based Mentoring program are actually teachers. They see students come back from their time with their Big filled with confidence, smiling big, ready to learn and eager to succeed.

The Big Brothers and Big Sisters

Big Brother and Big Sister mentors are men and women that like to be with children. They must be at least 18 years old, mature, stable, and responsible, as determined by the Big Brothers Big Sisters professional staff. Volunteers are asked to commit at least two-to-four hours each month for at least one school year. Matches meet during the school day in the child’s school. This is a perfect program for corporate employees that can volunteer during their work day, empty nesters, grand-parents, retired educators, and anyone looking for volunteer opportunities during school hours.

The Little Brothers and Little Sisters

Boys and girls are eligible to be Little Brothers and Little Sisters in the School Based Mentoring Program if they are enrolled in a participating school. They are identified by school teachers, social works, guidance counselors and referred to Big Brothers Big Sisters for assessment. The children may be struggling academically, emotionally, or socially. The special friendship that grows between the adult mentor and child, the child’s self esteem is enhanced, needs for understanding, security and acceptance are met, and personal growth occurs. Volunteers enjoy the rewards of a child’s love and knowing they’ve made a BIG difference in a young person’s life.