High School Mentoring

High School Students as Bigs

The High School Mentoring Program was designed after the success of the School-Based Mentoring Program. It involves a powerful educational methodology called “Service Learning”. When a high school student becomes involved as a mentor; both the elementary school child and the high school volunteer benefit academically, socially, and emotionally.

In addition to the support and personal growth a child experiences – the volunteer benefits in many ways:

• High school mentoring builds the high school student’s self worth and ability to make a difference in the life of a child
• High school mentors practice critical thinking and listening skills while applying those skills to real-life situations
• High school mentors become lifelong active citizens

 
The Big Brothers and Big Sisters

High school Big Brothers and Big Sisters are those who have expressed an interest in working with children and becoming involved in mentoring. They must be enrolled in high school grades 9 -12, mature, stable, and responsible as determined by the school administration and the Big Brothers Big Sisters professional staff. Volunteers are asked to commit to one hour every week for the duration of the school year. Such students must have an average or above average GPA, attend school regularly, and exhibit age appropriate behavior. Each student must submit an application with personal, parental, and school references.

The Little Brothers and Little Sisters

The elementary school children referred into the High School Mentoring Program tend to ‘fall through the cracks’ and do not necessarily qualify for supplemental school supported programs. They are identified by school teachers, social workers, 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 high school student and the elementary school child helps to foster the elementary student’s developmental growth, sensitivity and empathy to others needs increases.