Our reputation is due in part to our highly structured programs, and for providing professional match support services for the mentors, mentees and their parents throughout the life of the match.
People are most familiar with our community based mentoring program, but did you know there are other ways to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sister of Rhode Island, and have a positive impact in a child's life?
Community Based Mentoring
Our Community Based Mentoring Program pairs at-risk youth between the ages of 7 and 15, in long-term, one-to-one relationships with volunteer mentors who are 19 years or older. We place a great deal of effort into pairing our children ("Littles") with the adult mentor ("Bigs") that will work best for them. Littles and Bigs are paired on the basis of, proximity, personality, common interests, the child’s needs, and the volunteer’s strengths. Together, the Big and Little decide on their outings and activities within the community. Although the program only requires a minimum commitment of 18 months, many relationships last long after the program concludes. Some become lifelong friendships.
Site Based Mentoring
Site Based Mentoring pairs working professionals with elementary and middle school students in need of additional academic support or personal encouragement. The mentoring takes place in a supervised group setting at a school or community site. Mentoring is typically 1 hour per week during the school year.
Big Couples
Couples can also choose to mentor a child together. This variation of our traditional community based mentoring allows a married or partnered couple to mentor together. Being in a Big Couples match means you will be paired with a young person between the ages of 7 and 15.
Beyond School Walls
Beyond School Walls is a partnership between BBBSRI, Rhode Island businesses, and local elementary and middle schools to bring groups of their students out of the classroom and into the workplace. Curriculum includes structured STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) based activities and mentoring sessions that will engage students in positive, empowering mentoring relationships, as well as excite them about learning and career exploration, particularly in STEM fields.
In the past we have partnered with businesses like Amgen, Hasbro, and Schneider Electric for our Beyond School Walls program.
