With Big Brothers Big Sisters, there are multiple ways to get involved with the community- the School-Based Mentoring Program is an innovative approach created by Big Brothers Big Sisters to reach a more diverse population of children. The program is designed to improve youth’s social skills as well as foster academic performance. The volunteer meets with the student on the school campus, once a week during school hours, for a minimum of one school year. They play games, shoot hoops, just hang out or work on homework. We have found that programs that encourage activities with a socio-emotional focus are more likely to have greater academic impact, higher quality and longer duration compared to programs that focus on academic/tutoring activities.
Here is a message from one of our participating elementary school teachers:
The Big Sister program has had an instant and amazing impact on my two students. I have never seen them beam as much since they’ve had this opportunity to connect with an older ‘sister’ buddy. The attention they receive seems to fill up their emotional tank. Both seem so much less needy in the classroom. I am truly impressed.
-Happy Valley Elementary Teacher
For more information on the School Buddies Program contact Colleen Haggerty at (360) 671.6400 (102)
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