School-based Mentoring Programs
Mentoring That Meets Kids Where They Are
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tennessee Valley partners with schools, districts, and local companies to bring research-backed mentoring directly into the classroom — at no cost to students or families. Our School-Based Mentoring programs are teacher-approved and parent-trusted — because they work. Kids meet their "Bigs" during the school day, whether in the classroom, the gym, or on the playground.
Sessions aren't limited to homework help. Mentors and mentees shoot hoops, do hands-on STEM projects, talk through life challenges, and — most importantly — build a genuine friendship. It all comes back to one thing: inspiring young people to reach their potential. Every mentoring session is supported by a professional BBBSTV Match Support Specialist, ensuring every meeting is safe, structured, and set up for success.
How a School-Based Program Comes Together
1
Partnership Agreement
BBBSTV works with the school district (and company partner if applicable) to formalize the program structure and logistics
2
Recruitment & Training
Mentors are recruited, screened, and trained using BBBSA national standards. Students are referred by teachers, counselors, or family.
3
Match & Meet
Our Program Manager carefully pairs each mentor with a mentee. Weekly sessions begin at school, supported by on-site staff at every meeting.
4
Measure & Grow
We track outcomes, run enrichment activities, and evaluate growth using BBBSA's Youth Outcome Survey at the start and end of each program year.
Sometimes the Best Place to Change a Child's Future is at School
What Every Program Includes
What Bigs and Littles Do Together at School
Current School-Based Program: Open for the 2026–2027 School Year
Bigs from Lee High School & Littles from MLK Jr. Elementary
Applications are open now for students, families, and volunteer mentors in our inaugural Huntsville City Schools partnership program.
This program matches elementary students at MLK Jr. Elementary School with trained high school mentors from Lee High School. Mentors and mentees meet weekly throughout the school year for one-on-one mentoring, STEM enrichment activities, and structured social-emotional learning sessions — all supported by BBBSTV professional staff on-site at every meeting. Who can enroll?
- Littles: MLK Jr. Elementary School students who will be 4th and 5th graders in the 2026/2027 school year & would benefit from a consistent, caring mentor relationship.
- Bigs: High school students (who will be Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors in the 2026/2027 school year) from Lee High School who are interested in leadership, community service, and career development are encouraged to apply as mentors.
Highschool Bigs and Elementary school Little will meet at MLK every Friday from 11am - 12pm. Bus transportation will be provided.
*please note that both Little and Big applications must be completed by a parent or guardian.
School-based Mentoring Program FAQ's
Who qualifies for a school-based mentoring program?
Elementary school students referred by teachers, school counselors, parents/guardians, or resource officers are eligible. Programs prioritize students who would benefit most from a consistent, caring adult relationship — including students facing academic challenges, behavioral concerns, or limited support systems at home.
Do mentors need prior experience working with kids?
No prior experience is required. All mentors — whether high school students, company employees, or college athletes — receive structured training from BBBSTV staff before their first session. Training covers communication, trauma-informed practices, relationship boundaries, and youth development strategies.
Is there a cost for families to participate?
No. All school-based mentoring programs operated by BBBSTV are completely free for students and families. Programs are funded through grants, community partnerships, and organizational sponsorships.
How long does a mentoring relationship last?
Programs run throughout the full school year. We intentionally recruit younger mentors and mentees (sophomore high schoolers matched with 3rd–4th graders) with the goal of sustaining the match across multiple years. When high school mentors graduate and stay local, matches may even convert to community-based meetings outside of school.
How is safety maintained during sessions?
Safety is our top priority. All mentors complete background checks and BBBSA's Youth Protection training before their first meeting. A trained BBBSTV Match Support Specialist is present at every single mentoring session — no one-on-one meetings happen without staff present.
How do you measure whether the program is working?
We use BBBSA's nationally validated Child Outcome Survey (for students 10 and under) and Youth Outcome Survey (for ages 11+) at the start and end of each program year. These surveys measure growth in school connection, emotional resilience, self-confidence, and likelihood to avoid risky behaviors.