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Why Mentoring?

Studies show that mentoring is a cost-eective way to prevent juvenile delinquency and gang participation, saving thousands of taxpayer dollars in the long-term. More importantly, though, is that mentoring saves lives.

Each Little who is mentored is more likely to show an increase in academic performance and less likely to display behavioral problems than peers who are not being mentored.*

Each Little who is being mentored is less likely to enter the criminal justice system, less likely to drop out of school, and isare more likely to become a productive member of society.

Each Little who is being mentored has an increased chance of reaching his or her full potential. National research demonstrates that positive relationships between Littles and their Bigs have a measurable impact on Littles’ lives.

National research demonstrates that positive relationships between Littles and their
Bigs have a measurable impact on Littles’ lives.

When matched with
a comitted big,
Littles become:

  • More confident in their schoolwork performance
  • Better able to get along with their families
  • Less likely to begin using illegal drugs
  • Less likely to begin drinking alcohol
  • Less likely to skip school

To meet the needs of our community, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami (BBBSM) offers two types of mentoring: one-to-one mentoring and group engagement & mentoring…

One-to-one Mentoring

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami’s (BBBSM) core one-to-one mentoring programs are designed to create and develop a strong relationship between child/teen and mentor. Professional sta carefully match each youth participant (Little) with an adult volunteer (Big) for a mentoring relationship intended to be long-lasting, fun, and effective in developing the Little’s potential. All relationship are professionally-supported by BBBSM stay to ensure relationships are sustained over time with productive results. Programs in the core one-to-one mentoring category include community-based mentoring, Bigs in Schools, School to Work, Bigs in Blue, and a recently-formed graduate program.

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Group Engagement & Mentoring

To meet the growing needs of the South Florida community, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami (BBBSM) oers Group Engagement and Mentoring (GEM) at our headquarters, the Carnival Center for Excellence. The carefully-designed activities follow a set curriculum that is evidenced through, shown by research to have a positive impact on program participants. The effect of each program is defined through metrics that measure mentoring goals, which are evaluated before and after each GEM program.

Littles engage in the activities with a set cohort and a designated BBBSM AmeriCorps Member, who serves as the Big for the group. Other community volunteers are also welcome to serve as a Big in the GEM programs, as well. For waitlist Littles – those who are waiting to be matched with a Big in the core one-to-one mentoring program GEM programs also serves as a safe and positive environment. for waitlist Littles – those who are waiting to be matched with a Big in the core one-to-one mentoring program.

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Continuing Education
& Scholarships

In collaborationed with Take Stock in Children (TSIC), BBBSM to provides Littles with college-readiness programming and workshops. Littles, their Bigs, and their parents are invited to regular college readiness programming throughout the year to prepare students for standardized testing, the college application process, finances in higher education, and more.

Speaking of finances in higher education… BBBSM offers hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship funding to graduating Littles every year. Funds are given either through a BBBSM scholarship fund or a one of the scholarship partners, listed below.

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BBBSM Alumni Association

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami (BBBSM), we foster a sense of community and belonging. When our Littles graduate from our programs, so do our Bigs — but that does not mean they graduate from our family! Our alumni program engages individuals who were previously a Big or a Little. As a BBBSM alumnus/a, you are a part of a network of ver 20,000 individuals who have gone through our program
over the last 60 years!

Having gone through the BBBSM program, you have the most powerful mentoring stories and experiences. We invite you to join us in sharing your stories with fellow alumni, current Bigs and Littles, the BBBSM community, and ultimately, all of Miami!

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