PROGRAMS

BEYOND SCHOOL WALLS

What is your best fit?

WHAT IS BEYOND SCHOOL WALLS?

The Beyond School Walls mentoring program expands a child’s perspective by spending one-on-one time with their Big during the school day. We build partnerships with companies throughout the region and match their employees with children from local schools. In this program, Littles will be transported from a local school to your office -a great first glimpse of the business world! No matter what they do, the time that Bigs and Littles spend together is proven to enhance school performance.

smiling mentor and mentee in the Beyond School Walls program

PROGRAM DETAILS

Volunteers from a local company are paired with students from a nearby partner school in one-to-one mentoring relationships. There are currently 17 partners and schools enrolled in the program.

HOW IT WORKS

Volunteers meet with their mentees two times each month; the students visit your workplace at lunchtime for one hour. A professional from Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence (BBBSI) manages the program on-site while the mentors and mentees have lunch together, talk or work on projects and activities provided by BBBSI. Once or twice a year, staff schedule a reverse day in which the Bigs visit their Littles school.

VOLUNTEER TIME COMMITMENT

BBBSI SUPPORT

BBBSI staff conduct regular and ongoing contact with each match privately one-to-one through match support contacts. The purpose of match support is to monitor, coach, and guide the match in order to promote the development of the match relationship, match longevity, child safety/youth protection, and positive youth development.

THE NEED

BBBSI needs volunteers who are able to commit onehour a week, twice a month, during the school year on-site to spend time, be a friend, or be a “guide on the side” for local youth. Looking for committed and consistent volunteers to help all youth achieve their full potential.

NEXT STEPS TO BECOME A BIG

CLICK HERE to complete the enrollment form (the form alone does not make you a Big).
A representative from BBBSI
will reach out via email or text
and ask you to complete a full
application*.
*Please note: you will be asked to provide your SSN for background checking purposes.
Attend a virtual information session
Complete your virtual interview
BBBSI staff conducts background checks and contacts your references
Get matched to a Little!

VOLUNTEER FORM

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about the program, reach out to our team:

VOLUNTEER:
[email protected]

TO DONATE:
[email protected]

OUR IMPACT

Beyond School Walls mentoring creates a richer work experience, providing opportunities to practice on-the-job skill, and better connects employees with their community and the challenges facing today’s youth.

IMPACT ON LITTLES

91% Improved or maintained feelings of social acceptance

94% Maintained educational expectations

91% Maintained or improved grades

97% Their relationship with their Mentor is important to them

IMPACT ON BIGS

98% Felt BSW Program made their work experience richer

99% Believed supporting BBBSI is a positive investment in the community

95% Felt BBBSI made them more connected to the community

UNVEILING THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF MENTORSHIP – MEET BIG BRIANNA AND LITTLE TIANA

Big Brianna and Little Tiana enjoy snacks in Brianna's workplace cafeteria

Sixth-grade Little Sister Tiana and Big Sister Brianna share a bond that goes beyond the ordinary. Since being matched in February 2023 through the Fox Rothschild Beyond School Walls program, their connection has been nothing short of transformative. Their initial chemistry, fueled by their vibrant personalities, set the stage for a meaningful journey of growth and support.

Brianna’s intuitive understanding of Tiana’s interests led to a beautiful partnership in crafting, where they not only created stuffed animals but also shared heartfelt conversations. Tiana found solace in Brianna’s attentive listening and wise counsel, especially during moments of struggle and frustration with school.

This school year, Tiana’s appreciation for Brianna deepened as she realized the invaluable gift of being heard without judgment. Brianna’s guidance on focusing on schoolwork and handling peer interactions with grace has had a profound impact on Tiana’s personal growth. By practicing patience and taking a breath before reacting, Tiana has navigated school challenges more peacefully and avoided unnecessary conflicts.

Tiana’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship and the profound impact of a caring and supportive relationship. With Brianna by her side, Tiana continues to embrace growth, resilience, and gratitude for the unwavering support she receives along the way. This match represents just one of many inspiring and successful stories within our program.

DOWNLOAD THE PDF

CORPORATE ALLIANCES

Our work at Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence has been recognized by leading corporations and foundations nationwide. These caring and generous partners have authentically engaged with us to find innovative ways to help Philadelphia’s young people reach their full potential by creating and supporting mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.