Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of South-Central PA has announced the launch of 20 High School Bigs programs across the organization's seven-county footprint for the 2024-25 school year, expanding the commitment to youth mentorship and community engagement.

BBBS of South-Central PA has facilitated the High School Bigs program in school districts throughout its service area for more than 30 years. Many of the High School Bigs programs launched this school year are part of a multi-year partnership within a school district.

Returning students may be matched with the mentor, called a Big, or mentee, called a Little, from the prior school year or be rematched with a new mentor or mentee in the program.

The High School Bigs program connects high school students with elementary and middle school youths, fostering leadership skills for the more senior students while providing essential support and guidance to younger peers.

One mentor involved in the program is Taij at Central Dauphin High School. Taij said she understands the powerful influence of having an older role model and remembers how engaging with older students in prior years helped her gain deeper self-awareness and a new perspective.

The program not only enhances the lives of those being mentored but also equips high school students with skills in communication, teamwork, and interpersonal relations. It engages mentors in activities designed to enhance their leadership and mentoring abilities while promoting positive behaviors among younger students.

There is community impact, as well. By fostering relationships between generations, the program strengthens community ties and inspires a culture of giving back.

Big Brother Jon at Susquenita High School joined the program because he wished that during elementary school he had a mentor beyond his family. The program has given Jon more confidence in communicating with people who aren't his age, older or younger.

This school year, BBBS of South-Central PA has more than 700 youths engaged in the High School Bigs program. In Lancaster County, the program is offered in Columbia Area School District, Donegal School District, and the School District of Lancaster.

BBBS of South-Central PA invites new mentors and mentees to join the program. To learn more, visit http://www.capbigs.org or call BBBS of South-Central PA at 717-236-0199.

As a Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development-approved educational improvement organization, BBBS is able to receive funding through EITC donations. To learn about making an EITC donation, contact Mary Murphy at mmurphy@capbigs.org.