Become a Mentor
AN OUTCOMES-DRIVEN, ONE-TO-ONE MENTORING MODEL THAT WORKS.
Youth mentoring is more critical now than ever before. Kids in our community need Bigs like you to bring support and instill confidence as they navigate these challenging times. We believe every child in our community has great potential – the potential to graduate high school, go to college, get a job, support themselves, and provide for their families. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, our purpose is to help these children realize their dreams and contribute to their community. In addition, Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children achieve success in school, helps them avoid risky behaviors such as fighting and experimenting with drugs and alcohol, and helps them improve their sense of purpose.
Big Brothers Big Sisters serves young people from age six through young adulthood. Bigs and Littles spend 4-6 hours together, 2-3 times each month, having fun in and around our community. You might play catch in the park, attend a baseball game, or go out to eat. You and your Little Brother or Little Sister will share activities that you both enjoy or try new things together. Life is busy and commitments can be daunting. Big Brothers Big Sisters offers flexible and fulfilling volunteer opportunities and provides on-going free activities monthly and tips for low cost or free tips throughout your mentoring relationship.
How to Become a Big
Step 1
Tell us you're interested.
Our team will answer your questions and help you determine the ideal program that fits for you and you can browse different options below. If you'd like to receive more information, click the inquire button below. If you are ready to apply, please skip to Step 2.
Step 2
Apply to be a Big
Adults and High school student mentors, complete an application. Be ready to share your Driver’s License, if applicable, and references: child safety is our highest priority. Apply by clicking Become a Big below.
Step 3
Interview & Screening
Big Brothers Big Sisters will conduct various screenings including a background check on you. A final recommendation is made by the Program Committee regarding acceptance, as not all who apply are accepted.
Step 4
Ready to be Matched
Big Brothers Big Sisters will begin to search for your Little based on a variety of factors such as distance, interests, and commonalities. We try to accommodate preferences from youth, parents and volunteers. Our professional team takes pride in making long lasting quality matches. We are not able to give a definitive timeframe of when you will be matched.
Step 5
Meet Your Little
Congratulations! It’s time to meet your match! This will be the start of an epic friendship. We can’t wait to share this moment with you.
Get Started Now
Which Mentoring program is the best fit for you?
Community-Based
Engaging in mutually agreed upon
activities outside of the home
4 hours per month
Youth ages 6-14 at time of enrollment
Mentors are adults
Bigs and Little agree upon activities both would like to do together and discuss with the parent/guardian for approval. The agency provides monthly activities such as fishing, golf lessons, baseball games, etc.
School-Based
Helping complete homework, reading, and other games/activities
1 hour a week during the school year
Youth grades K-5
Adults and high school students welcome to mentor
Meet weekly at a designated after school sites
College and Career Based
Exploring pathways to careers, college and practicing life skills
2-3 hours a month
Youth grades 9-12
Mentors are adult business professionals
Mentors connect virtually with mentee working
on activities (such as resumes,
sample budgets, interviewing skills).
Mentees visit local businesses during the summer
Mentorship Support
Big Brothers Big Sisters assigns a dedicated Match Support Specialist who is always there to provide resources and support. Once we have matched you with your Little, your Match Support Specialist will be in regular contact to offer guidance and feedback. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist is here to help. These contacts are typically made by phone; however, accommodations for alternative methods of communication are possible.
It is also essential that you voice any concerns to your Match Support Specialist. They will make recommendations or take action to fix issues; this allows for a lasting, fun, and impactful relationship between you, your Little, and your Little’s parent. Our Bigs come from diverse backgrounds just like our Littles. They are regular people, just like you. You don’t need any special degrees or job skills. You just have to want to positively impact a young person. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, and you could be a perfect fit.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Who are the Bigs in the program?
Our Bigs come from diverse backgrounds just like our Littles. They are regular people, just like you. You don’t need any special degrees or job skills. You just have to want to positively impact a young person. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, and you could be a perfect fit. Adults of any age and high school students are welcome to mentor.
When can I see my Little?
We recommend that you keep a consistent schedule of outings and get together on a regular basis. The outings will also depend on the comfort level of your Little’s parents, your Little, and you. For community-based mentoring, this means making plans with your child’s parent to pick up your Little. You and your Little will agree upon activities you would like to do together and discuss those ideas the parent/guardian for approval. For School-based mentoring or College and Career, you will either go to the child’s school or interact virtually on a regular basis.
How much money should I spend?
The quality of the time you invest with your Little is more important than the amount of money you spend. The goal of the relationship is to help your Little see the world through a different lens so you can inspire your Little to become something they never thought possible. If you are going to spend money, we encourage you to seek out low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. Play a game together or share that pizza that you were going to have for lunch anyway. Big Brothers Big Sisters offers sponsored group activities that are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littles. As a Big, you may also receive notices for free tickets to cultural and sports activities for you both to enjoy.
What are some good ideas for outings with my Little?
Share an activity that gives you both enjoy or would like to learn more about to give you something in common to talk about. Go to the library, check out a book and read together. Buy a comic book to read together. Play a board game. Go on a nature walk. Hit a bucket of golf balls at the local driving range. Take a ride in the car with the radio on and talk about the music you like. You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another. For younger children, playing can be learning. Most important: keep it simple and enjoy yourselves! In the Site Based and School to Work program, fun and engaging activities are led and planned by the Program Coordinator.
Can I bring my spouse, a friend, or a family member on outings?
In the beginning it’s most important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. However, over time it’s also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Just keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others, your Little may begin to feel jealous or neglected. The main focus is the friendship you develop with your Little.
What kind of support can I expect from Big Brothers Big Sisters once I get matched?
Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Support Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there to help. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference.
Will I become a replacement parent?
No, Littles have a parent or guardian in their life already. What they need is a Big to spend quality, one-on-one time with them. Someone to have fun with, someone they can confide in, someone like you!
I want to be a Big! What do I do?
Great! We are happy to welcome you to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties family! If you still have questions or want more information simply, fill out an inquiry form. If you are ready to apply, skip the inquiry form and complete the application. Our team will be in with contact you.