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
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
12:00-1:00 pm | 4th Grade Littles
Mendota Elementary School – Fridays
11:10 am-12:10 pm | 4th Grade Littles
Applications for the 2026/2027 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/caregivers 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 the Match Support Specialist as required
Requirements for Littles
- Must live in Dane County
- Parent/caregiver must complete the online application for the child
- Committed to meeting with mentor 1 time per week
- Parent/caregiver 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.