What is a High School Big?

In 2004, the introduction of our Site-Based Mentoring Program allowed for a whole new group of potential mentors to experience the fun of becoming a volunteer...High School Juniors and Seniors! High School “Bigs” are matched with elementary school students to provide a mentor and special friend. Volunteers, like you, have a lot to offer a child! Since you are still a student yourself, you can relate to a “Little” in a special way. You can remember what it was like to be your Little’s age, since it was not so long ago, yet you’re old enough to give them someone to look up to and admire. Our “Littles” love that “one of the big kids” wants to take time out to spend with them and your friendship can really help to build their confidence and self esteem!

What do matches do together?

As a Big Brother or Big Sister, you’ll help your Little out with homework, participate in recreational and educational activities, and just have fun! Here are a few activities our High School Bigs share with their Littles:

How often and where do we meet?

It doesn’t take a lot of time to make a BIG difference in the life of a child. In fact, volunteering as a High School Big is only a once a week commitment. You’ll meet with your Little from either 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM or 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM at a local school or community center. You select the site and time that is convenient for you to meet your “Little” weekly. At each visit, a Big Brothers Big Sisters Coordinator is present to help your relationship grow through guidance and various planned recreational, educational and cultural activities.

Why should I volunteer?

Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister has a lasting impact. A child matched with a High School Big often does better in school, shows improved social skills and increased confidence. While you are making a difference in your Little’s life, you will also be making a difference in your own! You’ll experience the joy that comes from helping someone else. The “real world” experiences this opportunity offers can also help with enhancing your own leadership skills and self-confidence. Plus, volunteering looks great on a resume or college application!


Here's what some local High School Bigs have to say about their experiences
mentoring a child:

" I became a mentor because I love to work with kids and if I could help guide just one kid, I knew it would be a rewarding experience."

- Big Sister Allison, Nardin Academy

" I love coming to the center every week. It makes me feel good to know that my Little cherishes out time together... I would strongly encourage others to volunteer because this program is so rewarding. The relationship you create with your Little is irreplaceable."

-Big Sister Erika, Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart

" Mentoring adds a highlight to my own week. Picking a day to meet with my Little was easy to fit into my schedule, as there are meetings most days of the week at a few different times...My Little and I do everything from working on some homework together, to creating new arts and crafts, to playing dodge ball and board games. I would recommend mentoring to anyone interested. Just a small amount of time with a child each week can make a great difference!"

-Big Sister Cara, Nardin Academy

"Spending time with my Little Brother is the highlight of my week. We have a blast together, and I can tell he gets as much out of our time together as I do!"

-Big Brother Brian, McKinley High School

"I became a Big Brother to build my resume and get some volunteer work under my belt. I never imagined how much fun it would be! My Little and I play sports, work on homework and sometimes just talk. I thought I would be helping out a kid, but he's become one of my best friends."

-Big Brother Matthew, DaVinci High School

How do I get started?

1. Inquire Online. Complete the online form today and a member of our Community Relations Staff will contact you soon.

2. Schedule a Volunteer Interview - When our Community Relations Staff contacts you, they will answer any questions you might have and discuss volunteering as a High School Big. If you are ready to take the next step, we will schedule a volunteer interview for you. The interview will give us a chance to learn about your interests, hobbies, goals and experiences so we can match you with a Little that’s a perfect fit!

3. Matching. When we are ready to match you, we will review the kids in our program and find the best fit for you. Depending on your gender and the kind of child you'd like to work with, matching may go very quickly or take some time. Making the right match is important to our commitment to form lasting relationships. Once we make the match, a member of our professional staff will introduce you to your new friend and start your relationship on its way!