WHO: High School Seniors (Bigs) and K-3 graders
(Littles) § The seniors are young people who are positive role models
and have a desire to make a positive contribution through service. §
The younger students are children who can benefit from an older school time friend.
The child may be recommended for the program because he or she needs special
attention, is shy, has trouble socializing, or may need help in a particular
subject area. However, the program is not a "tutorial" program. We
have found that once these special relationships form, the Littles' grades improve.
WHAT: The High School Bigs program of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mississippi
matches qualified high school seniors with an elementary student in grades
K-3. The one-to-one mentoring relationship provides an opportunity for the
younger student to have an older "school time friend" who is a positive
role model. The High School Bigs are screened, interviewed, and trained to
serve as a Big Brother or Big Sister by staff of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mississippi.
WHEN: The Bigs and Littles meet for at least one hour per week during the
school year.
WHERE: On the elementary school grounds. The Bigs and Littles
may have lunch together, play on the playground, work in the library, or visit
in an area that is designated by the elementary school. The Bigs and Littles are
not allowed to leave the school campus or have a match relationship outside of
the school.
WHY: Research shows the powerful impact on children served
by the Big Brothers Big Sisters School-based programs. Of students involved
in a two-year study which was funded by the UPS Foundation: - 64 percent developed
more positive attitudes toward school - 58 percent achieved higher grades -
60 percent improved relationships with adults, 56 percent with peers - 62 percent
were more likely to trust their teachers - 64 percent developed higher levels
of self-esteem Last year over 800 high school students in Mississippi served
as mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mississippi. Because of their
commitment to mentoring, many of them received scholarship awards through the
Mississippi Mentoring Network. These awards ranged from $5,000.00 to $1,000.00.
HOW:
If your school or district is interested in implementing a High School Bigs program,
please contact:
Chris Burkett
Director of Programs Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Mississippi 175 E. Capitol Street, Suite 222 Jackson, MS 39201 cburkett@bbbsms.org
Central Region
Martha Walton-Program Manager
Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Mississippi
175 E. Capitol Street, Suite 222
Jackson, MS 39201 mwalton@bbbsms.org T
- 601-961-9286
F - 601-961-9288
Northern Region
Michelle Rouse-Program Manager
P.O. Box 1701
Fulton, MS 38843
T-662-862-7257
F-662-862-7257 mrousebbbsms@yahoo.com
Southern Region
Maxin Jone-Program Manager
711 Martin Luther King Dr.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
mjones@bbbsms.org
T-601-835-3982
F-601-833-7955
