School Based Mentoring

“SHE SHOWS ENTHUSIASM WHEN WE MEET, AND IS MUCH LESS SHY SINCE WE FIRST BEGAN TO MEET AT THE BEGINNING OF LAST SCHOOL YEAR. I NO LONGER HAVE TO DRIVE THE CONVERSATION, AS IT HAPPENS NATURALLY, AND WE ALWAYS ENJOY HOWEVER WE DECIDE TO SPEND OUR TIME TOGETHER.” – HIGH SCHOOL BIG JACQUELYN

Sometimes the best place to help a child realize his/her potential is at school. Kids enjoy having their Bigs meet with them weekly, so they can get help with school work, do a STEM activity, or just spend some time talking about life.

It’s teacher-approved!  Some of the biggest supporters of our STEM School Based Mentoring program are teachers. They see their students come back from time with their Big filled with confidence, big smiles, ready to learn and eager to succeed.

BBBSBC provides each school in our program with a bin filled with age appropriate STEM focused games and activities.  Our goal is to build their interest and skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics while they also build friendships.

They learn about life. Although it takes place at school, this mentoring program isn’t limited to the classroom. Of course, some Littles do talk with their Bigs about class, or do homework, or read together, but it’s perfectly fine to shoot hoops in the gym or play on the playground if it’s allowed at the school. Bigs offer Littles a judgement-free zone in which they can share both their feelings and their goals for the future.

Kids in grades K-8 can be referred and matched in our program. Bigs may come from one of our Corporate Partners or may be retirees or volunteers who have flexible schedules.

“SHE’S MY FRIEND, SHE TALKS TO ME ABOUT MY FUTURE.” – LITTLE SISTER CIERRA

Young adults can also get involved as mentors. High school students can mentor elementary students within their school district in the High School Bigs program.  The high school students receive leadership, education and training, and experience the value of community service. The younger students benefit from having role models who encourage and inspire them.

Developed by BBBSBC and launched during the 2015-2016 school year, the Bigs and Littles Autism Support Team (BLAST) is an extension of the High School Bigs program. Each match has two specially trained high school students matched with one elementary aged Little who has been diagnosed with having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Goals of this program include improving both the Littles’ social communication and interaction skills and their flexibility regarding interests and transitions. This program is currently paused, but due to be renewed in the 2023-2024 school year!

We want to thank Hatboro Federal Savings for their invaluable support and generosity in sponsoring our High School Bigs program!