High School bigs Program

High School Bigs (HSBs) is a school mentoring program created by Big Brothers Big Sisters that promotes social and emotional learning in a safe and fun environment.

High school students, referred to as “Bigs,” and elementary and middle school students, referred to as “Littles,” are placed in matches that meet once a week. All matches are supervised by Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) staff.

The most important thing that Bigs do for Littles is form a healthy friendship – to listen,to encourage, to give advice (if asked), and to HAVE FUN. Likewise, all matches meet in aschool setting, so academic support is also an added bonus.

What is a big?

A “Big” is a student who volunteers as a weekly mentor to a younger child, referred to as a “Little.” The Bigs serve as a role model and provide their Little with additional individualized attention, support, and encouragement within the school day.

Things to look forward to

• Do homework or classwork that Littles bring
to visits
• Play outside on the playground
• Talk about personal interests and families
• Enjoy a hobby or play board games
• Work on arts and crafts projects
• Be willing to connect on an approved virtual platform

Current School Partners

Robertson County:

Greenbrier High School (students matched at Greenbrier Elementary)

Springfield High School (students matched at Crestview or Krisle Elementary)

Innovation Academy (students matched at Crestview or Krisle Elementary, and IA 6th grade)

Rutherford County:

Riverdale High School (students matched at Cason Lane Academy)

Oakland High School (students matched at John Pittard and Reeves Rogers Elementary)

Siegel High School (students matched at John Pittard Elementary)

 

LaVergne High School (students matched at Cedar Grove Elementary)

Elegibility

☐Sophomores & Juniors

☐ Driver's License OR reliable transportation

☐ Good attendance, grades, behavior

☐ 1 year commitment, once a week during school day for 45 min-1 hr

☐ Completed parent permission form

☐ 2-3 references (guardian, teacher, and/or youth volunteer reference)

☐ Attend a BBBS HSB orientation

☐ Complete volunteer interview

☐ Be able to form healthy friendship with a child

Enrollment Process:


□  Every student applying to be a volunteer/Big must have a completed Parent Permission Slip and application (filled out and signed by parent/guardian)

□    2-3 completedreference forms (filled out by a parent and teacher/or faculty member, plus a Youth Serving Reference if applicable)

□    Attend a BBBS HSB orientation (to be held at your school)

□    Complete a volunteer interview (conducted at your school)

□    Complete required trainings offered through BBBS online training platforms (to be covered at orientation)

Apply today