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School-Based Mentoring

The School-Based Program – or Study Connection – is a partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Durango 9-R School District. Study Connection matches children with mentors to improve the student’s academic achievement, school attendance and self-esteem. The match meets on site after school once a week for an hour on the same day, at the same place and at the same time. Matches work on school work, play games or just talk.

It may sound obvious, but sometimes the best place to help a child realize their potential is at school. Kids enjoy having their Bigs meet with them there, whether it’s in the classroom or on the playground. And parents and teachers know what a positive impact it makes.

Some of the biggest supporters of our School-Based Mentoring program are teachers and principals. They see students come back from their time with their Big filled with confidence, happy, ready to learn and eager to succeed.

Study Connection is a monitored and supported program. Our staff is available to support each match with activity ideas, on-going training, school work hints and advice and encouragement.

Requirements for Volunteers:

    - Volunteer is 15 years of age or older
    - Volunteer has transportation to the school 
    - Volunteer is able to commit for at least one school year  
    - Volunteer completes all required background checks, interview and reference checks 

Requirements for Students:

    - Student is in 1^st through 12^th grade in the Durango 9-R school District
    - Student is referred by a teacher  
    - Parents complete an application 
    - Student has transportation home 
    - Student can commit to at least one school year 
    - Student must have a desire to participate in the program

Mentoring Works! 

Check out our new local commercial about being a Big on YouTube!

Although it takes place at schools, our School-Based Mentoring program isn’t limited to the classroom. Of course, some matches talk about class, or work on school work or read together, but it’s perfectly fine to shoot hoops in the gym or play on the playground. At the end of the day, it's really all about starting a friendship, providing guidance and inspiring students to reach their potential.  At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we have tremendous confidence in our ability to impact children and put them on the right path. But it means even more when an outside study comes to the same conclusion. Click to learn more about our Nationwide School-Based Mentoring Study. Here’s what some of our Volunteers, Students, Teachers and Parents had to say about their experience…

Parent - “I’ve seen many positive changes. My son is on a better path.”

Teacher - “It provided an excellent role model for my students and positive hope in their lives.”

Student - “I like study buddies because I’m doing better in school.”

Mentor - “I think the greatest benefit to me from my participation in Study Connection is the realization (or reminder) that it does not take that much effort to make a major difference in the life of a child.”

For more information about all of our programs, contact our Program Staff.
La Plata County: Justin Tafoya justin@bbig.org  
Or call 970-247-3720

Interested in becoming a volunteer in our School-Based program? Click here.
Need more information about volunteering? Click here.
Want to make a donation to support our programs? Click here.