High school students, "Bigs" provide elementary and middle school children, "Littles" with one-to-one time and attention, once a week during the academic year. The pairs meet during school hours depending on the proximity of their school locations. High School Bigs experience the joy and life changing power of service, build college resumes, and may receive school credits. Littles have the opportunity to connect with a role model close to their own age whom they identify with strongly.
The High School Bigs program is one of our site-based mentoring initiatives where volunteers experience the convenience of an established location for time spent with their mentee, and the children in the program enjoy the comfort and security of meeting in an established setting.
"Bigs" and "Littles" in the High School Bigs program enjoy working on homework, playing games, going to the library and reading books, arts and crafts - all sorts of activities that build a friendship that lends itself to meaningful conversations discussing topics such as behavior, the importance of academics, and pursuing goals.
No matter what the activity... time and time again, High School Bigs report to us that they feel like they get so much more out of their friendship with their Littles than the younger child possibly could.
This is the same sentiment shared by our adult volunteer mentors as well.
One particular group of High School Bigs are students involved in the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, an academic support program for grades 4-12 that prepares children for college eligibility and success. AVID places academically average students in advanced classes, and helps level the playing field for minority, rural, low-income and other students without a college-going tradition in their backgrounds.
The AVID High School Bigs program is made possible by a grant from Dell.
Currently we operate High School Bigs programs at the following area high schools:
Glencliff High School, partnered with Wright Middle School
Hillwood High School, partnered with H.G. Hill Middle School
Stratford High School, partnered with Inglewood Elementary
University School of Nashville, partnered with Buena Vista Elementary
Whites Creek High School, partnered with Robert E. Lillard Design Center
In Rutherford county:
Riverdale High School, partnered with Black Fox Elementary and Scales Elementary
New programs are continually being added at additional school locations. For more info, contact Anne Gallo
by clicking here.
One deserving High School Big is selected each year to receive a college scholarship courtesy of Jack in the Box Restaurants.
This year's honoree as "High School Big of the Year" is Sherrie Betty of Murfreesboro. To read the press release,
click here.
At left:
Rebecca Campbell of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee is shown with Coach Ricky Field of Riverdale High School, Sherrie Betty, High School Big Sister of the Year, and Principal Tom Nolan of Riverdale High School.
The High School Bigs program is made possible by a grant from the Jack in the Box Foundation.
For more information, click here.
