Youth Mentoring is Life-Changing
The evidence is irrefutable. Mentoring changes lives. A caring adult can support the potential that lives in every child by simply being present, listening to their stories, supporting them through challenges, and encouraging their dreams. We believe every young person deserves this level of support.
Community-based matches spend time together in the community doing activities they both enjoy — riding bikes, doing arts and crafts, playing board games, or simply hanging out. Each match develops and cultivates a unique relationship that empowers Littles to navigate life’s challenges and celebrate personal successes.
Participants enrolled in our site-based mentoring program receive the same impactful benefits as in our traditional program, but instead of meeting in the community, matches meet at a consistent time and place throughout the school year. Adult mentors (Bigs) meet with youth (Littles) individually or through an employer or college-sponsored volunteer program at the Little’s school or the Big’s workplace to explore fun and educational activities facilitated by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff. Program types and locations are listed below:
- Adult/College Volunteer: Mentors meet one-on-one with youth at one of our chosen Elementary or Middle School sites.
- Locations in St. Paul: Four Seasons A+ Elementary School & Marcy School for the Arts
- Grad Coach Volunteer: Mentors support HS students (9-11th grade) in a group program setting (see below for more details).
- Location in Saint Paul: HOPE Community Academy
- BSW(Beyond School Walls): Mentors meet one-on-one with 5-8th graders at a corporate partner site.
- Location in Minneapolis: Harvest Best Academy
Our Graduation Coaches program inspires high school students to dream big and equips them with the skills needed to turn dreams into reality. With the guidance of volunteer mentors, students learn how to build academic confidence, improve study skills, cultivate healthy peer relationships, strengthen self-advocacy skills, and develop plans for a career or post-secondary education following graduation.
Currently, our Graduation Coaches program is offered only at HOPE Community Academy in St. Paul.