SCHOOL FRIENDS
School Friends is a great option for individuals who aspire to be mentors, but have limited time to commit to our Community-Based program. It offers a great volunteer opportunity for those who are passionate about positively impacting young lives but may have busy schedules.
Become a School Friends mentor to inspire and empower the next generation!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County currently has School Friends
at the following local schools:
Randall Elementary School – Mondays
12:00-12:45 pm | 5th Grade Littles
Wright Middle School – Tuesdays
2:45-3:45 pm | 6th & 7th Grade Littles
One City Schools – Tuesdays
11:30 am-12:20 pm | 4th Grade Littles
12:20-1:00 pm | 5th, 6th, & 7th Grade Littles
Hawthorne Elementary School – Tuesdays
11:15 am-12:15 pm | 2nd & 3rd Grade Littles
Kennedy Elementary School – Fridays
Fridays | 12:00-1:00 pm | 4th Grade Littles
Mendota Elementary School – Fridays
11:10 am-12:10 pm | 4th Grade Littles
Applications for the 2025/2026 school year are now open!
Program Description
After enrolling in our School-Friends Mentoring Program, Bigs and Littles are thoughtfully matched based on interests and preferences (gender, race, age, etc.) Once the Match is approved by Big, Little, and parent/caregiver, they can start meeting!
- Takes place one time per week for one hour during lunch or after school
- Minimum of 1 year commitment
- BBBS provides activities and conversation starters to help Matches get to know each other during their sessions
- Time can be spent reading, playing board games, doing crafts, or catching up on homework
Program Basics
- One-to-one mentoring program for students/scholars of various ages, depending on the site
- BBBS conducts regular check-in conversations and observations with Bigs and Littles to ensure the relationship is healthy, safe, and thriving. Parents are informed about the potential Big for their child and upon approval, are contacted with regular updates on how the Match is progressing.
Requirements for Bigs
- 18 years or older
- Must live or work in Dane County
- Complete online application, interview, and references
- Pass a background check
- Big must connect with Match Support Specialist as required
Requirements for Littles
- Must live in Dane County
- Parent or caregiver must complete the online application for child
- Committed to meeting with mentor 1 time per week
- Parent and child must connect with Match Support Specialist as required
Interested in learning more about getting involved as a mentor?
Reach out to Miriam Whiteagle, Site-Based Program Coordinator,
at mwhiteagle@bbbsmadison.org or 608-960-9162
Other Ways to Get Involved
Whether you get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County as a donor, potential Big, partner, or advocate,
you have the power to change a child's future for the better.