In-School Mentoring
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. Program enrollment occurs on a rolling basis throughout the year, depending on program priority, availability and timing. We welcome you to submit an inquiry, and a member of our team will contact you with further details.
You are also welcome to email our enrollment team with any questions you have at info.wr@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca. We appreciate your patience during this time.
“The students get so excited for their match to come – they look forward to it all week. That special time dedicated for just them does so much to improve their self-esteem”.
— ISM School Liaison
“His Big Brother is sometimes the one reason he wants to go to school on a particular day. It gives him something to look forward to and be excited about.”
— Parent of an ISM Little Brother
“My favourite memory is the first drawing my mentee gave me.”
— ISM Big Sister
Step 1: General Information
In-School Mentoring provides elementary students who could benefit from extra emotional, social or academic support, with a caring adult Mentor. The goal is for students to become engaged, connected and confident members of their school and community.
Volunteer Commitment: 1 hour/week
The In-School Mentoring program requires a weekly visit of 1 hour for the duration of the school year. You are matched with a student in grades 1-8 based on common interests and location. The match takes place on school property during the school day and lasts until the end of the school year (April/June).
Through regular meetings, a relationship is developed between the Mentor and the child, built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced Program Coordinators. The result is a life-changing experience for both the volunteer Mentor and child.
Our volunteers are caring adults, with various skill sets and a range of experience working with children. Volunteers are extensively screened, receive training regarding child safety, and are supported through consistent contact with Program Coordinators.
The In-School Mentoring Program strives to:
- provide a role model and a friend for youth
- promote the importance of staying in school and healthy relationships with family and peers.
- instill trust and self-confidence in order to make healthy decisions.
- encourage leadership skills and independent thinking.
- and above all, make a difference while having fun.
Change a child’s life today apply now. Imagine who they will become because if you!
Step 2: Requirements
To become an In-School Mentor, you must be:
- Age 18 or older
- Live, work or reside in Waterloo region
- Able to commit to 1 hour per week for a minimum of 4 months
- Have weekday daytime availability
- Interested in developing a positive friendship with a child or youth in grades 1-8
Step 3: How it Works
Inquiry Form
Please complete the online inquiry form. You will be contacted by a member of our Intake Team within 5-7 business days regarding next steps.
Eligibility
Someone from our Intake Team will follow up to determine program eligibility. If eligible, you will receive an email with a link to our online application.
Online Application & References
Once you receive the link to the online application, please complete the form. You will be asked to provide references in the application. Please ensure they are aware you have listed them as a reference as we will be following up as soon as the application is received. We will require a vulnerable sector/employment, family, significant other (if applicable) and a personal reference.
Development Relationships & Pre-Match Training
You will be added to our learning management system to complete mandatory program specific training and developmental relationships training. This must be completed prior to matching in an agency program.
Police Check
You will receive a downloadable letter via our learning management system and instructions for completing your Vulnerable Sector Police Check. Police Checks and references must be completed before an interview can be scheduled.
Interview
Once the above steps are complete, an agency Program Coordinator will contact you to book a time to complete the Interview and Pre-Match Training review.
Acceptance
If accepted as a volunteer, you will receive confirmation from the agency along with information about the matching process.
Step 4: Inquire Now!
Thank you for wanting to volunteer your time to youth in need of a Mentor. We look forward to meeting you and working together to ensure that all youth have the chance to reach their potential.
Inquiry & Application Information:
- Please do not exit out of this browser, otherwise you will lose all your work.
- Once complete, hit submit a member of our Intake Team will follow up.
- Questions? Call 519-745-0180 ext. 201 or email info@bbbswr.org
- As part of the application process, we require references who are over the age of 18. Please ensure that you have informed your references that we will be contacting them and encourage them to check their email (including junk mail folder) for the reference email.
- Full reference instructions are on the application to ensure the right contact is provided. You will be provided with a link to the online application if you are eligible for programming. Note, a vulnerable sector reference must be someone you’ve reported to and cannot be a family member.
Start Your Inquiry!
