Journey of a Dollar: Step 6, Teen Programming
August 5, 2020, Micaela Olson-Macgregor
Your gift makes a BIG impact. Follow the journey of your donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities.
Step 6: Teen Programming
We help Littles in grades 8-12 explore post-secondary options including field trips, workshops and activities to introduce teens to college access, workforce readiness and healthy lifestyle topics.
Building the Foundation
Big Sister Emily and Little Sister Amelie have been matched since November 17, 2017.
“This is a date she will never let me forget, asking weeks in advance, ‘What should we do for our anniversary?’” said Big Sister Emily.
After three years of working on building and developing their relationship, Big Sister Emily and Little Sister Amelie have officially transitioned into our Teen Program. At this stage in their Match, we take a more intentional approach in helping our Littles dream about and plan for their future.
“I love the foundation that we have built in our relationship, with open dialogue. I am grateful to be a trusted adult in her life. My goal is to continue listening well to Amelie, I think this is the best way to support her dreams and hopes.” said Emily.
Transition to Teen Program
Our Teen Programming staff help Littles to think broadly, reflect on their interests, understand their values, and recognize their strengths to help them set goals.
- Goal Setting: Setting realistic and achievable goals is a habit that can be helpful in different areas of life. BBBS utilizes the WOOP strategy to help BBBS youth set goals. Learn more about the WOOP strategy here.
- Interest Identification: Teen years are the perfect time to establish what sparks youth’s curiosity and motivations to explore different subject areas. BBBS utilizes the program My Next Move to help youth discover and learn about their interests.
- Junior High & Middle School Checklist: It’s never too early for youth to start thinking about what they want their future to look like. Our Junior High/Middle School Checklist offers ideas for what our Littles, mentors, and parent/guardians can do when the Little is in 6th-8th grade to prepare for their future.
- High School Checklist: Our high school resources encourage youth to continue exploring, recognizing, reflecting on, and understanding their interests, values, and strengths, while also helping them narrow down a plan for their future.
“Amelie and I have begun talking about her future plans. A few activities that she really enjoyed that helped facilitate these conversations were architect planning, cooking classes at Saint Paul College and the Dairy Queen Career EXPLORE event.” said Emily. “She lights up when talking about art and math. Architecture is something that really excites her and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the years to come.”
Career EXPLORE Events
One example of a way Big Brothers Big Sisters helps our youth dream about their future is through our Career EXPLORE events. We partner with local corporations to host events in their workspace and help expose youth to diverse professionals and careers. Youth leave events understanding what skills, abilities, and education are needed for each occupation they encounter.
Dairy Queen has been a long-time host of Career EXPLORE events, with the promise of ice cream always causing the event to fill up quickly! Youth hear from Dairy Queen’s Food Scientists, Graphic Designers, Food Photographers, and Legal Team. They also get to put their Research & Development skills to the test by mixing up their own Blizzard flavor!
Last fall, Target hosted a Career EXPLORE event for 56 Bigs and Littles. Attendees heard from Target Buyers and Planners – including a robot vacuum battle to test which robot vacuum worked best! – and saw the inside of the Corporate Command Center. Youth also got a special tour of the technology behind the light display at the top of Target Corporate Headquarters.
Realizing Potential
All of these events and activities help expand youth’s vision of their futures.
“I love watching her grow into who she is today. It’s amazing to think that November 2017 was just a few short years ago, since then my Little Sister has become a teenager!” Emily said of Amelie.
Donors help Littles realize their full potential.
“Thank you to all the donors that make our Match and others like ours possible. Your generous contributions to Big Brothers Big Sisters helps to create opportunities for Amelie and other Little Brothers and Sisters to grow, learn and discover new talents.” said Emily.
What’s next?
Curious what happens next? Follow along at BigsTwinCities.org/JourneyOfADollar.
Inspired and would like to make a gift? Visit BigsTwinCities.org/Donate.
