Big Brothers Big Sisters Great Falls recruiting mentors

Big Brothers Big Sisters opened recruitment for their school-based program for the 2015-2016 school year.

The program serves nine middle and elementary schools and three high schools. BBBS staff members will be doing interviews at Great Falls High School on April 8-9 and at C.M. Russell High School on April 14-15 for high school students.

Interviews at Great Falls Central Catholic High School will be held at a later date. Adult volunteer interviews can be conducted any time in the BBBS office.

The school-based program matches high school and adult volunteers (Bigs) with elementary and middles school students (Littles). The Bigs meet with their Littles in the school for an hour once a week for the school year. The matches work on homework during the first half hour and social interactions during the second half hour.

“We see an improvement in grades and attendance once the Littles are matched,” said Alli Inglebright, program specialist/development coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Great Falls

To be a high school Big, students must have seventh hour free, maintain a GPA of 2.3, have means of transportation to get to their Little’s school and have permission from a parent. Adult Bigs must be 19 or older, have the same hour free each week (normally in the afternoon), and be able to pass a background check.

High school students interested in becoming a Big may get more information from their high school counselor or Big Brothers Big Sisters Great Falls.

Adults interested in volunteering may get more information at www.bbbs-gf.org or call 406-453-5521.

“The school-based program is a great opportunity to someone who wants to get involved but can’t meet the time commitment required by the community-based program,” Inglebright said. “BBBS provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Through our programs, children improve their family relationships, academic performance and are less likely to use drugs and alcohol.”