Big Brothers-Big Sisters is a school-based mentoring network that pairs older volunteers (Bigs) with younger students (Littles) to provide one-to-one mentoring relationships.
The program is focused on building friendships to positively impact those who need it.
High school students provide guidance to their selected “little,” helping them improve their academic performance, social skills, and self-confidence.
Other local schools, such as Altoona, Bellwood, and Claysburg, have had a Big Brother-Big Sister program in place for years, and Tyrone guidance counselor Nicole Taneyhill would like to bring the program to the Tyrone Area School District next school year.
“Many school districts have this in place, and I thought it would be good for us to do as well,” Taneyhill said.
For the “big,” the program provides the high school mentor with leadership skills, commitment, work experience, and community service experience.
“This is a volunteer opportunity for interested and qualified high school students,” Taneyhill said. “If you feel like it’s something you would be good at, please apply. [The guidance department] chose the ‘littles’, students could use the support. You develop a relationship with the little ones who need it.”
During the scheduled in-school meetings, the mentor and mentees (‘“bigs” and “littles”) will engage in fun activities in the school setting. These may include playing board games, participating in arts and crafts, reading, sports, engaging in physical activities, and conversations.
The only requirements for participation are being a current TAHS high school student, a good role model with positive recommendations from teachers and/or counselors, and a willingness to commit to in-person mentoring for one class period per week.
High school students interested in this opportunity for the fall should stop by the guidance office during the school day and pick up the volunteer request paperwork, or email Mrs. Taneyhill at [email protected].
“Other schools have had this for a long time, but Tyrone hasn’t. So we’re brand new, they’re probably doing bigger things, but we’re in the baby stage,” Taneyhill said. This can turn into something that can be completely outside of school, we’re just not there yet. This is just the start.”
