Big Brother Big Sisters S.M.A.R.T.Program

 

S.M.A.R.T. HISTORY

 

In 2000, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Adams County began Students and Mentors Achieving Results Together (S.M.A.R.T.)

The S.M.A.R.T. Program is a school - based mentoring program that matches high school and college students with elementary students. The mentors share their knowledge, experiences, and laughs.

The primary goal of this program is to improve the overall academic performance of the children enrolled while providing a positive volunteer experience for the high school and college mentors.

For the 2006-2007 school years, this program will be in the Gettysburg, Conewago Valley, Bermudian Springs, Littlestown and South Western Elementary Schools.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Adams County has grown from serving 12 studnets the first year to 105 students in 2005-2006 school year.


WHAT is a mentor
and WHO are They?

A mentor is a
POSITIVE ROLE MODEL
SPECIAL FRIEND
TUTOR

 

A mentor is a dedicate college or high school student volunteer. All mentors are screened through an application process and are trained by our Professional staff before they are accepted into our program.

Our mentors make a thorough assemnet of their existing responsibilities (work, School, family, extra-curricular activites, etc.) and feel confident as a mentor for the duration of the school year.

 
What Does the Application
Process Consist of for
Mentors?

* An Application

* A signed Parental Consent & Release

* A signed Volunteer Rules form

* A requirement of two references

* A interview with a member of the Big
Brothers Big Sisters Staff

* A mandatory training session

 

Students and Mentors
Achieving Results Together

 


The S.M.A.R.T. Program "matches" college or high School volunteer student mentors one-on-one with elementary students from selected schools who have been identified by school personnel as needing assistance with school work, having poor attendance records, possessing low self esteem, or who might benefit by getting personalized individual attention

from an older, caring adult.

 

 

Weekly Meetings

 

 

"Matches" will meet for one hour after school on a predetermined day. The hour will consist of homework assistance, educational games, character building activities, social time, and a focus on academic improvement through the use of flash cards, worksheets, and children's books. All meetings will be supervised by Big Brothers Big Sisters Staff and will be held for the duration of the school year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

in school Works!

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters' school-based mentoring has proven to have a significant, positive impact on the children in the program. According to the results of a major study, teacher's reported:

~ 72% of students developed more positive attitudes toward school

~ 81% improved their academic performance

~ 74% improved class preparedness, and 70% improve class participation

~73% of students had better relationships with their peers

~84% developed high levels of self-confidence

~ 76% were more likely to trust their teachers

 

CONTACTS

Leah Woodward
Assistant Program Coordinator

Shirley Gilbert
Case Manager

Gareth Pahowka
Case Manager

Tristan Myers
Case Manager

717-337-3958
bbbsac@pa.net