High school students 16 and over are eligible to enroll as Bigs in BBBS’ After-School Program. Applicants will need to submit an application as well as a parent permission form.
Submit your application online …
… or download and print your application
High School Bigs program benefits kids and preps students
High School students, you have the opportunity to mentor an elementary or middle school child in a Big Brothers Big Sisters program that is expanding in Western North Carolina.
Our High School Bigs program matches big-hearted high school students like you with school-aged kids who could benefit from someone who knows a little about life.
With lots of BBBS support, we match you (students 16 and older) with a child that has been referred to BBBSWNC by school counselors, teachers, social workers, or other school personnel.
Imagine having someone to look up to. Having a mentor in high school really helps a child improve their academic performance, decrease serious school infractions, and cut down on school days skipped, teachers have said.
High School Bigs meet their Littles at the younger person’s school weekly. Their hour together is spent helping the student with classwork and reading and doing a variety of activities that expand their interests, confidence, and social skills. BBBSWNC supports the High School Bigs by suggesting activities to do, such as starting a scrapbook, making family trees, reading books together, and looking at careers and colleges online.
You’ll build leadership and compassion skills that will help with college and job opportunities later. All we ask is that you show up regularly and on time to give your Little lots of attention and encouragement.
Listening, not “preaching,” works best with kids, as do respecting lifestyles, reinforcing successes, tolerating frustrating situations and communicating on your Little’s level.
Respecting school policies and guidelines is important, as are prompting the child’s learning and not imposing values or solutions on the Little. Change typically happens slowly in a younger person’s life, other High School Bigs have found. Teachers are often happy to supply homework aids to help you bolster your Little’s academic success.
And as always, you’ll receive lots of help and support from your BBBS program coordinator – they have plenty of suggestions. For instance, maybe you could help your Little plan a dream vacation. Map the trip, plan a budget, and make a list of cool places to visit. If you have access to a computer, have your Little investigate a topic of interest online. Create a comic to show what they learned.
Here’s just some of what you’ll contribute to. In our various programs, Littles and school personnel have told us:
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97% of Littles became more self-confident
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95% improved problem-solving skills
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90% became more motivated to learn
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93% increased their school engagement
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92% improved completion of homework
