Coordinated in partnership with local school boards, the In-School Mentoring (ISM) program provides the opportunity for volunteers (Mentors) to develop a one-to-one friendship with a child (Mentee). This is a program that takes place at the child’s school, during the school year.

It’s not about homework!

This is not an academic program. It focuses on encouraging friendships and building self-esteem and social skills through activities such as crafts, games, sports, or reading. The Mentor spends one hour per week doing a fun activity or just talking with their Mentee who could use a friend.

Mentors may be male or female!

Our mentors are screened and trained by Big Brothers Big Sisters before being matched with a Mentee in an local elementary school. There are three facets to this program:

1.)  Co-op Mentoring: This program provides a High School Co-op Student a placement opportunity with 8 children in an elementary school  The mentor spends 1 hour per week during school hours with each mentee and attends regular planning sessions with our caseworkers on a regular basis.

2.)  Adult Mentoring: This program can involve retirees, university students, shift workers – anyone who has a flexible schedule allowing them time during school hours to mentor a child.  Adult Mentors spend 1 hour per week in an elementary school with 1 mentee, and this match may continue from one year to another.

3.)  Teen Mentoring: This program matches a high school student with a child from a neighbouringelementary school to spend 1 hour per week.  Unlike the co-op program, this is not for a class credit.

We also encourage employers to give employees the time during the work day to volunteer…studies show that people who volunteer perform better on the job!

It's easy to become an In-School Mentor:
Call 519-537-6404.