Coordinated in partnership with local school boards, the In-School Mentoring (ISM) program provides the opportunity for volunteers (Mentors) to develop a one-to-one friendship with a child (Mentee). This is a program that takes place at the child’s school, during the school year. It’s not about homework! This is not an academic program. It focuses on encouraging friendships and building self-esteem through activities such as crafts, games, sports, or reading. The Mentor spends one hour per week doing a fun activity or just talking with their Mentee who could use a friend. Mentors may be male or female, are screened and trained by BBBSG before being matched with a Mentee in an local elementary school. There are two facets to this program: 1. Co-op Mentoring: This program provides a High School Co-op Student (Mentor) with a placement with 8 children (Mentees) in an elementary school. The Mentor is matched and spends 1 hour per week during school hours with each Mentee. The Mentor also attends planning sessions with our caseworkers on a regular basis. 2. Adult Mentoring: This program involves community members - retirees, university students, shift workers - anyone who has a flexible schedule allowing them time during school hours to mentor a child. Adult Mentors volunteer 1 hour per week in an elementary school with 1 Mentee. This match may continue from one school year to another. We encourage employers to give employees the time during the work day to volunteer…studies show that people who volunteer perform better on the job! It's easy to become an In-School Mentor:
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