ENROLL A CHILD
GIVE YOUR CHILD A CHANCE TO REALIZE THEIR POTENTIAL
By enrolling your child with Big Brothers Big Sisters, you give them a chance to see their unlimited potential and develop into even more responsible, successful, well-rounded individuals.
As a parent, you recognize the potential of your child better than anyone. By giving them the opportunity to be mentored, you’re starting them down a path to an even brighter, more promising future.
Due to the high volume of Little applications we are currently receiving, there may be a longer wait time (4-8 weeks) to schedule an interview. We look forward to connecting with you soon!
WITH THE INFLUENCE OF A BIG (MENTOR) LITTLES (MENTEES) ARE
55% more likely to graduate high school and attend college
17% more likely to be
employed and earn 13%
higher wages than non-mentored youth.
91% more confident they can say no to drugs, alcohol, vaping, and gangs.
THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS
-
Tell us about your Child
First, you’ll complete our online child intake form so we can learn about your child. -
Complete Orientation & Interview
Fill out an application and we’ll complete an orientation and detailed interview with both you and your child. This is where you can share preferences about the type of Big you think will be the best fit. -
Get Matched
After the interview our professionally trained staff will assess your child and suggest a Big, taking your preferences into account. -
Meet your Big
You’ll receive an invitation to come to our offices and meet your potential Big! Once you agree to the match, you’ll, review the rules, goals, and plans for the first few outings.
THE MENTORSHIP EXPERIENCE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Community Based mentoring program enrolls youth between 6 and 16 years old. Once enrolled and paired with a Mentor, youth can remain in our program through our expanded horizon of service until 24 years old. Site Based mentoring offers programs for high school aged students in addition to elementary school aged students.
No. This is a free program for families. In the Site Based program BBBS covers all expenses. In the Community Based program the Bigs are responsible for the cost of the outings.
All volunteers and employees are subject to background checks that include obtaining references from people who know them well. Also we conduct a National Criminal Background Check at the time of enrollment and every 3 years if match remains active, Federal Background Check, DCFS Child Abuse/Neglect, Public Domain Search, Motor Vehicle Check, and fingerprinting.
In both the Community Based and Site Based programs, Bigs and Littles set goals around three outcome areas: Educational Achievement (improving attitudes about school, improving grades, addressing truancy, discussing career aspirations, etc), Avoidance of Risky Behavior (peer pressure, drug and alcohol use, gangs, making healthy choices), and Socio-Emotional Competency (developing healthy peer relationships, self-confidence, etc).
Littles and their parent/guardian must be willing to commit to being matched with a Big at least one year and meet with their Big two to four times per month.
In the Community-Based Program it’s up to your family’s and the Big’s schedule, but most matches meet on the weekends. Bigs and Littles in the Site-Based Program generally meet after school or in the evenings.
We conduct in-depth interviews with the Bigs, Littles, and parents/guardians enrolling in our program so we can get to know all parties and can make the best match! We make matches based on common interests, personalities, preferences, and geography.
In the Community Based program Bigs and Littles do normal, everyday activities that ultimately build friendships and change lives! Going out for ice cream, going to a baseball game, cooking a meal, visiting a museum – the Big and Little can decide what they want to do together! In the Site Based program fun and engaging activities are led by the Program Coordinator.
