Dear Parent/Guardian,
We would like to inform you about our Mentor 2.0 programs that are part of the curriculum at Boston Green Academy and Edward M Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (EMK). This is a joint program between each respective school and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay. Please read this page to learn more about the program.
What is the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay Mentor 2.0 Program?
This program is a technology-enriched, one to one youth mentoring experience, that provides high school students with the support and guidance they need to graduate and succeed in college and the work force.
How does the program work?
BBBSMB partners with BGA and EMK to provide all students with this curriculum-based mentoring experience that will start in 9th grade, and continue through 12th. Each student in the program is matched with a same-gender mentor, based on shared career and/or personal interests. Students attend a weekly class that encourages them to explore their interests and build the skills they need to encourage their growth and success as high school students. Each week, during class, there is structured time for the students to communicate with their mentors by sending emails over the iMentor’s secure online platform. Additionally, the students and mentors meet one evening per month, after school in a supervised group setting. The match meetings are always at BGA and EMK, and are completely cost-free to all students. Please encourage your child to attend all of these events, as it strengthens their relationship significantly. We will provide you with specific information regarding dates and times, for school visits. Students and mentors cannot contact each other outside of the program without parental consent.
Who are the Mentors?
Mentors come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences, and each has an Associate’s Degree level of education or higher. They are caring, motivated adults who enjoy spending time with high school students and who want to help them excel. All Mentors are carefully screened by our professionally trained BBBSMB staff before being matched with a child. The screening process includes reference and criminal background checks (CORI/SORI) as well as a personal interview by BBBSMB staff.
How will my child be matched with a Big?
A BBBSMB program staff member will meet with your child in class, and will work with them through the application process. The purpose of the application will be to gather information regarding his/her interests, personality, strengths, needs and some basic family information. The parent/guardian will be contacted over the phone after this interview takes place. We will also speak with school personnel to gain further information to assist us with the matching process. This information will be shared with your child’s Big to assist him/her in building a positive mentoring relationship with your child. BBBSMB does not discriminate on the basis of age, race/ethnicity, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. If you have preferences regarding the Big who may be matched with your child please include them on the attached permission slip; we will do our best to ensure a meaningful and comfortable mentoring experience for you, your child and the Mentor.
When will my child be matched with a Mentor?
The program begins at the beginning of the school year. We expect that your child will meet their Mentor in the October/November timeframe. They will continue with this Mentor throughout their high school years.
What is the benefit for my child?
Students who participate in the Mentor 2.0 program are more likely to: develop the skills needed to persevere and graduate from high school, enroll in college, and earn an undergraduate degree or be workforce ready. Your child will have the opportunity to build these skills in a safe and supportive environment through their classroom and in their individual 1-1 mentoring relationship.
If you have additional questions, please contact Nora Leary, Vice President for Program Services, at 617-956-0287 or nleary@bbbsmb.org