High School Bigs Program (Site Based Facilitated)
You don’t need any special skill to change a life. Just simply show up as you are.
EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH SHARED CONNECTION
Our High School Bigs program creates magic right in our area schools! In this innovative program, our agency partners with local school systems to match our Bigs (high school students) with Littles (elementary students) right in their district. Whether it’s a competitive board game in the library or getting creative with craft supplies, the time you spend together creates a ripple effect of confidence. You’re not just a mentor; you are the highlight of a child’s week, proving that you don’t have to go far to make a world of difference.
In our High School Bigs program, being a “Big” isn’t about being a perfect role model or a tutor; it’s about sharing your time and your authentic self with a younger student who looks up to you.
We believe that the best friendships happen naturally, which is why our program staff puts so much heart into the pairing process. By looking at everything from your favorite hobbies to your personality type, we ensure that you and your “Little” are set up for a great connection from day one.
Program Cost
Enrollment is free for both Bigs and Littles. Our agency provides activities for youth to enrich their time spent together. Thanks to the generous support of our community members, we receive donations of board games, craft supplies, and other indoor activities.
Time Commitment
In our High School Bigs Program, we ask that everyone is able to commit to at least one school year.
Location
The High School Bigs Program is currently offered at Grand Ledge Public Schools and Morrice Area Schools. Matches enrolled in this program are only permitted to meet at the elementary school during the scheduled meeting time.
Program Structure
This program is staff facilitated, meaning the Bigs and Littles receive direct supervision while experiencing the program. Our staff provides activities for the group, and conducts regular match support contact to ensure the safety of all involved parties. Together, the school and BBBSMCR establish a schedule, determine student participation, and a location for the group.
BECOME A SCHOOL PARTNER
Interested in becoming a High School Bigs program location? Please complete the contact form below to begin the conversation to explore a partnership.
FAQ
What does Site Based Facilitated mean?
Site based facilitated means that all interactions between Bigs and Littles in our High School Bigs program are facilitated or monitored by BBBS program staff. Our staff is present at each meeting of the matches for their duration of the time in the program. Additionally, our staff provides all activities for matches to participate in throughout the course of the school year.
What is match support?
Match support is ongoing support provided to all parties of a match (Big, Little, and Parent/ Guardian) by their assigned Program Support Specialist. The purpose of this match support is to fist and foremost ensure the safety of the child in the match. It is an opportunity to provide the match with guidance and support as well as connect the family with additional resources if needed. For our High School Bigs matches Big and Littles receive match support monthly in their first year of the match, and then quarterly for the life of the match. The Parent/ Guardian will be required to complete match support twice a year for the life of the match.
Our Program Support Specialists are available to everyone in the match at any time, and questions or concerns can be addressed at any time and do not have to wait for a scheduled match support call.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is determined through recommendations of the partner school. In our High School Bigs program Bigs are High School aged students, and Littles are typically elementary or younger middle school students.
How do the Bigs get to the elementary school?
Often our Bigs are within walking distance to their Little’s school. A plan for getting Bigs to and from their meeting place at the Little’s school is determined by each individual partner school and reviewed with the Bigs parent prior to their child participating in the program.
What is the frequency of meetings?
Frequency can vary depending on what works best for each school. Most often our matches are meeting either weekly or bi-weekly. Once a schedule is set matches will meet on the same day and time for the entire school year.
What is the time commitment?
We ask that everyone is able to commit to at least 1 school year of meeting. If matches are eligible and interested matches are able to meet for consecutive school years.
What is the school responsible for?
We ask that the school works with the BBBSMCR Program Director to determine eligible students, determine a meeting schedule for the school year, and provide a safe space that all matches can meet. Additionally, we ask for the schools assistance in distributing program information and applications.
What kind of involvement does the parent/ guardian have in a match?
For the Little’s the parent/ guardian will be responsible for completing the child’s application in full. Additionally, they will be required to complete Match Support with their assigned Program Support Specialist for twice a year for the duration of the time their child is enrolled in the program.
For the Big’s parent/ guardians are required to complete the parent permission and parent reference form before their child may participate in the program.
What kind of training do the High School Bigs receive?
Prior to being matched in the program all High School Bigs must participate in an in-person training with the BBBSMCR program staff. This training covers a wide variety of topics including the role of a mentor, expectations, child safety, all policies and procedures for the program, and what to expect when it comes to match support.
What are the benefits of a High School Bigs program?
For the Bigs the program provides things like, a leadership opportunity, exposure to community engagement, volunteer hours, and the opportunity to support students in their school district.
For the Littles the program can provide an increased sense of belonging, improved attendance, and increased classroom engagement.
For the school the program provides safe and proven programing that engages students of all ages within their district. The program is also fully supported by our agency which means there is no cost associated with participating for anyone, including the school involved.
