Volunteers from the University of Hartford are needed to mentor young students through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut (BBBSCT).
As the nonprofit youth mentoring organization’s site and school-based mentoring programs restart this October, volunteers will provide one-to-one guidance for at-risk children through weekly structured program sessions. They will engage with students through schoolwork help, arts & crafts, field trips, and other educational activities.
“It’s a great opportunity for volunteers to get involved in mentoring kids of various ages. The program focuses on starting a friendship, providing guidance to at-risk youth in Connecticut, and helping them reach their potential,” said Shasity Rios, Director of School & Site-Based Programs.
BBBSCT matched Little Brother Sam, a fifth-grade student at the University of Hartford Magnet School, with his Big, Jadyn, a University of Hartford student, in the fall of 2023. Jadyn helps Sam with homework, and the duo enjoys playing outside and doing STEM activities together.
More young adult volunteers from UHart, like Jadyn, are needed for BBBSCT to match with deserving children on the waiting list. Of the kids BBBSCT served this past year, 86% achieved higher grades in school.
“The benefits of being a mentor in our site-based program include having fun while achieving personal growth, improving your self-esteem, and knowing you are making a difference in someone’s life,“ Rios said.
Interested volunteers are encouraged to visit ctbigs.org to inquire about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister.