As a parent, you recognize the potential of your child better than anyone. By giving your child the opportunity to be part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, you’re giving them one more positive and caring adult in their life and making a big impact on their future.
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There is absolutely no cost to enroll your child into the program.

Enroll a child

STEPS TO ENROLL A CHILD

Applying to be a Little takes a few steps, and we’re here to help you along the way:

ENROLL A CHILD →

→ Step #1: 

Complete the online application and review the parent/guardian orientation video. 

→ Step #2: 

BBBS Staff will process your application.

Once the application is processed and approved, we will schedule an in-person interview to learn more about you and your child. This typically take place at your home and takes about 90 minutes. 

→ Step #3: 

Complete an online training
Eligibility will be determined and you will be informed of the decision. 

IS OUR PROGRAM RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD? 

How do I know if my child is eligible for the program?

To be eligible, your child must be at least seven years old at the time of enrollment and have an interest in participating. Families should also be committed to engaging in the program. If your child has recently experienced a major loss, trauma, or other life event we may discuss whether this is the right time to start. If a child is 14+, we will conduct an inquiry screening via phone call. 

What is the commitment required for my child and our family?

Bigs and Littles typically meet a couple of times per month for a minimum of 4 hours per month. The success of the match depends on consistent engagement, so we ask that families encourage their child’s participation and maintain communication with their assigned Match Support Specialist. 

What if my child or our family doesn’t feel comfortable with their match?

We carefully match Bigs and Littles based on interests, preferences, and personalities, but we understand that not every match is perfect. If any concerns arise, we encourage open communication with our staff, who can offer support or reassess the match if needed.

Does it cost anything to enroll my child in the program?

No! Our mentoring programs are completely free for families. However, Bigs and Littles often participate in fun activities together, and while we encourage free and low-cost outings, families can choose to provide a small allowance for their child’s experiences if they wish.

ENROLL A CHILD →

Stories of Matches 

HOW SIMPLE CONNECTIONS CREATE LIFELONG CHANGE

See how a caring mentor’s guidance helped a Little overcome challenges, build confidence, and create a brighter future.

DAN & CARLOS

BRI & LEIYONA

PROTECTING BBBS YOUTH

SAFETY FIRST

At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we believe that all children and youth deserve to live in a world that makes them feel cared for and protected.
All Bigs are background and referenced checked, interviewed, and receive on-going training and support. We ask that you stay involved by approving activities, asking your child about outings, and telling us about any milestones your child has reached. 

OUR COMMITMENT

The primary commitment of Big Brothers Big Sisters in serving the children of  the Central UP is to protect their safety. The safety of young people at BBBS is always our top priority. This includes the child’s physical, sexual, and emotional safety at all levels.

NATIONALLY REQUIRED STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE

BBBS and affiliated agencies are separate 501©3 organizations that have the primary responsibility for risk management and youth protection in their organizations. This includes the establishment of local policies and procedures that best protect youth, effective screening and selection of staff and volunteers, and professional monitoring of match relationships.
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For decades, BBBS has worked with BBBSA and with national violence prevention experts to implement standards based on industry best practice of high-quality in-service delivery. BBBS will continue to make this our priority, by working with outside experts to carefully examine our standards and service delivery model as emerging best practices in child safety evolve.

TRAINING IN CHILD PROTECTION

Everyone associated with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, including professional staff, parents, volunteers, children, and board members,  are required to be trained in recognizing and responding to suspected child abuse.

Parents & Guardians are not just part of the process, they are part of the success. 

When it comes to the future of our children and the well-being of our communities, we are all in this together. It should be no surprise that we need parents and guardians of Littles to be involved every step of the way, starting with the initial match. 

Not only will parents and guardians provide information about their child's strengths and needs but they will also approve the selection of the Big for their child. Once the match is made, parents and guardians remain closely involved in many ways, including: 

• Approving activities & outings.
• Talking with their child about their Big and share with BBBS staff. 
• Reporting their child's milestones and progress to BBBS regularly.
• Providing feedback to BBBS at any time