OUR PROGRAMS

OUR PROGRAM OPTIONS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Mentoring is NOT one size fits all, and neither are our programs. There’s something for EVERYONE. And yes, that means YOU!
Our various volunteer opportunities offer different time commitments to fit your schedule.

 Many relationships between Bigs and Littles are part of our Community-Based program. Community-Based mentoring relationships involve one-on-one outings and activities. We also offer Site-Based programs, which take place in designated facilities, usually schools.

Community-Based Mentoring

Our Community-Based Mentoring Program takes place in-person, with Bigs and Littles meeting together 2-4 times a month. Whether a Match is grabbing ice cream, taking a walk, hitting up the library, or attending a Badger game, the goal is to produce quality time that builds a strong and trusting relationship.

SCHOOL FRIENDS

Our School Friends program invites volunteers to spend time with a child at their school. School Friends is about building relationships and forming friendships. The program is not academically focused; you may play games, do crafts, catch up on homework, or simply hang out. 

HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

The High School Leadership Program gives high school students an opportunity to serve as mentors and positive role models for elementary school students during the school year. This program aims to foster meaningful connections between students and give high schoolers a space to share their experiences and knowledge.

WHAT OUR PROGRAMS DO


Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children facing challenges, creating lasting positive change. Our volunteer mentors engage with children in various settings—within the community, in schools, and beyond. Through our unique one-to-one mentoring approach, we make a significant and enduring impact on the youth of Madison and Dane County.

WHAT WE DO

WHO WE SERVE

WHAT WE ACHIEVE

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County helps all youth achieve their full potential by creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Each child (Little) is thoughtfully matched with a caring adult mentor (Big), and then our professional staff provides meaningful support for the life of the Match. Our Matches stay together for an average of 4 years, which means deep relationships and ultimately, greater impact on the lives of each Little in our program.

We serve around 500 children each year across the greater Madison area and throughout Dane County. Our Littles represent many vibrant and diverse communities that we are proud to support. Our program is open to all youth ages 6-18 who want a mentor, and there is no cost to participate. In addition to our Littles, our network of Bigs and supporters come from all walks of life, all backgrounds, and all corners of our community.

 Using our research-based service delivery model, our program helps children achieve success in school, avoid risky behaviors, improve their self-confidence, and aspire for the future. We hold ourselves accountable to our supporters by regularly measuring our impact.

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