The School-Based Mentoring Program is an innovative approach created by Big Brothers Big Sisters to reach a more diverse population of children. The program is designed to foster youth's academic development as well as improve social skills. The Volunteer meets with the student on the school campus, once a week during school hours, for a minimum of one year. It is our goal that through academic support, positive role modeling, and a one-to-one friendship, students will succeed.

The essence of creating strong mentor-student matches is the careful selection, training and support of volunteers. Applicant processing includes a Washington state criminal background check, two written references, and an in-person interview.

Who are the Volunteers?
School-Based mentors vary in age, gender, professions and interests. One quality all mentors share is the desire to offer academic and emotional support, guidance, consistency, and friendship. Through a mentor's encouragement, a student can achieve his/her potential.

Who are the Youth?
Children in the School-Based Mentoring program are kids who could greatly benefit from additional adult guidance. Students are referred to the program for many reasons, including trouble with school work, classroom behavior, poor relationships with peers or general unhappiness. Many children come from homes where quality adult attention is limited by single-parenthood, many siblings or transitional housing, including foster care. Others may be immigrants trying to adjust to a new culture. Most are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Whatever the circumstances, these children need an adult who is caring, consistent, knows how to listen and can be a good role model.

How do the children benefit?
Children in the School-Based Mentoring Program develop more positive attitudes toward school, achieve higher grades and improve their relationships with both adults and their peers. Mentors support, take an active interest in, give encouragement to, and help boost self-confidence in the student.

How do the Volunteers benefit?
School-Based mentors have the opportunity to watch a child become happier and more successful academically and socially. Most importantly, they develop a fun and lasting friendship.

Mentoring DOES make a difference
Students involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters' School-Based program were assessed by teachers, parents and volunteers for two consecutive school years. The results were very encouraging. They:

• developed more positive attitudes toward school
• achieved higher grades in math, social studies and languages
• experienced improved relationships with adults
• experienced improved relationships with peers
• were better able to express feelings
• developed increased self-confidence
• were more likely to trust their teacher

If you or your company are interested in finding out more about our School-Based Program, or would like more information about signing your child up to become a Little Brother or Little Sister, please email us at agencyinfo@bigsandlittles.org, call us at 1-877-700-BIGS (2447) or click here.

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