Programs
GROWING TO MEET THE NEED
Since 1966 we have matched thousands of childen facing adversity with caring, supportive mentors throughout the Granite and Green Mountain States.
The following innovative approaches to expand mentoring opportunities are the next steps in helping close both the achievement and opportunity gaps that exist for too many underserved children and youth.
1-TO-1
COMMUNITY
BASED MENTORING
The community-based program is our “traditional” mentoring program, where Bigs and Littles (or mentors and mentees) are matched in a one-to-one friendship based on interests, personalities, and geographic locations. Volunteers are carefully screened and trained to create a positive impact by sharing their friendship, guidance, and support. Pairs meet at least twice per month for a couple of hours to spend quality one-on-one time together and form meaningful memories just by hanging out and doing everyday activities such as shooting hoops, going on walks/nature walks, playing video games, arts and crafts, and much more.
Mentors take the time to listen, encourage, and model positive behavior while doing these everyday activities. Each match is professionally supported by a Match Advisor who is there to support and advise Bigs and parents on this journey during monthly check-ins and consistent communication. BBBSNHVT hosts dedicated activities throughout the year as well for our mentoring matches
WORKPLACE MENTORING
We partner with businesses to offer a unique mentoring experience. Littles visit a company office or workplace twice a month to meet with employee Bigs for group and one-to-one activities. These incredible partnerships offer companies on-site volunteer opportunities for their employees and give Littles a window into the workplace.
BIGS WITH
BADGES
Partnering with select law enforcement, fire, and ambulance departments in the state, our Bigs in Badges are matched in community-based or site-based settings with Littles in their communities.
In 2019 we launched PRISM (Pride. Respect. Identity. Safety. Mentoring). Working closely with Seacoast Outright our PRISM program provides LGBTQ+ youth in our program with a supportive outlet and resources to navigate stigma and discrimination, through one-to-one mentoring.
Because of stigma and discrimination, LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than non-LGBTQ+ youth to struggle with mental health. Connecting LGBTQ+ youth with ally adult mentors, who can relate to their experiences or be an ally in their corner, provides a supportive outlet to help change those odds.
Want to become an ally today and support youth through mentorship?
Contact Jen at jenm@bigsnhvt.org or 978.254.0253 ext.
Pride
Respect
Identity
Safety
Mentoring
Our newest program, Futures Ahead, is a technology-enhanced, one-to-one mentoring program that provides transformative support to low-income and first-generation high school students. Futures Ahead is located in a dedicated classroom at Manchester High School West in New Hampshire.
Futures Ahead aims to provide students with an opportunity for college and career exploration, preparing them with the skills and tools to succeed after high school. This program has accomplished much in its first two years and now we are excited to announce that this is an accredited course for college classes in our mentees’ next phase after graduation.
Students are matched with a mentor in their first year and work together throughout their high school experience following guided, weekly online communication through using a digital app and monthly in-person meetings during the school year.
Please contact our Futures Ahead Program Manager, Casey Loeffler at caseyl@bigsnhvt.org
Stratton Peer to
Peer Mentoring
We’ve teamed up with The Stratton Foundation to match “Littles” from Currier, Dorset, Flood Brook and Manchester Elementary Middle School with “Bigs” from Burr & Burton Academy in Manchester, Vermont.
BBBS peer mentoring builds supportive, one-to-one relationships between older and younger students within their school setting. Trained peer mentors provide encouragement, academic support, and positive role modeling, while mentees gain confidence, stronger connections, and a sense of belonging. With staff guidance and regular check-ins, peer mentoring fosters leadership skills for mentors and helps mentees develop resilience, social-emotional skills, and higher aspirations.
