High School Bigs Program Information for Parents

High School students have the opportunity to enroll in our School-based Mentoring Program to become a Big Brother or Big Sister. Students that express interest in becoming a volunteer mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee (BBBS) must have successfully completed their freshman year of high school.

In School-based mentoring, volunteers and children spend time together at the school once a week, for approximately one hour and work on homework, play games and enjoy interactive educational activities. With the support of their Big Brother/Big Sister, children in our program show improvement in the areas of educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors and higher aspirations; greater confidence and better relationships.

Every BBBS School-based mentoring match is monitored and supported by professional BBBS staff. This team consists of a School-based Coordinator, Match Support Specialist and Site Monitor; each having a specific role in assuring safety and program satisfaction.

Enrollment Process

Steps to becoming a “High School Big”:

1. Contact BBBS or the High School partner to express interest about becoming a “Big.”
2. Submit a completed Volunteer Enrollment Form, including signed parent permission forms.
3. In-person, on-site Volunteer Interview with BBBS staff.
4. Background check and references completed by BBBS staff.
5. BBBS staff notifies the applicant regarding acceptance.
6. If accepted, on-site volunteer orientation/training is required.
7. BBBS staff coordinates a match meeting between the volunteer and child.
8. The Big and Little participate in on-site weekly activities at the scheduled site time.

• I give permission for my child, to volunteer as a High School Big Brother or Big Sister.
  

• I have read and co-signed, with my child, the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Volunteer Application and understand that she/he understands the expectations and commitment to being a high school Big.
  

• My child’s involvement in the BBBS program will be under the guidance of BBBS staff and that she/he is required to abide by all program rules and expectations.
• My child is responsible to complete a Volunteer Enrollment Form including references. One reference must be from their high school (i.e., a teacher or guidance counselor).
• BBBS will complete a criminal background check through the vendor Sterling Volunteers.
• I will be asked to provide a reference with a BBBS staff member by phone for my child to participate in this program.
• I feel this is a good opportunity for my child and fully support and recommend her/his involvement with the program.