Peer-to-Peer Mentoring
The Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program involves a powerful educational methodology called “Service Learning”. When a high school student becomes involved as a mentor, both the elementary or middle school child and the high school volunteer benefit academically, socially, and emotionally.
In addition to the support and
personal growth a Youth
experiences – the volunteer
also benefits in many ways
- Peer-to-Peer mentoring builds the high school student’s self-worth and ability to make a difference in the life of a child
- Peer-to-Peer mentors become lifelong active citizens
- Peer-to-Peer mentors practice critical thinking and listening skills while applying those skills to real-life situations
Peer-to-Peer Bigs 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 elementary and middle school children referred into the Peer-to-Peer 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 child helps to foster developmental growth.
For more information on becoming a Peer-to-Peer mentor, please contact Yeila Rivera at yrivera@southjerseybigs.org or call 856.692.0916.