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Through a one-to-one relationship, this
program introduces students to the world
of business. Every other week, students
are brought to companies in New York
City where they meet with a Big Brother
or Big Sister. By bringing students on-site,
not only do youngsters bond with adult
volunteers, but they gain the skills
necessary to enter and succeed in the
workplace. Students are given the tools and
support to reach their full career potential
As a result, 91% of students completing the program want to go on to
college, 87% report an improvement in school, and 88% believe they can pursue a business career. In addition,
89% of the adult volunteers reported an increase in self-esteem and 86% felt their work life improved.
Volunteer Opportunites:
Change a young person's life and your own as well. For over ten years, this is what
the BBBS of NYC Workplace Mentoring Program has been about.
"Spending a few hours a month on-site, establishing a relationship
with an at-risk Little can introduce them to a whole new world while providing the Big with the
satisfaction of having made a difference." - Samuel A. DiPiazza, CEO,
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Programs are tailored to meet a corporation's specific needs and requirements.
At the core of the program is a mix of group and one-to-one mentoring activities that encourage intense
match relationships. Currently, companies have five program models to chose from, three of which
have a nine-month commitment that coincides with the school calendar:
1. Corporate Workplace Program (four hours a month for
nine months)
"Littles" spend two or more hours after school at a corporate site
twice a month and work with 'Bigs' on homework, life skills, and
learning about the business world. On weeks when matches don't meet,
mentors and students are in phone contact. Both students and mentors
receive ongoing training. There is always an on-site social worker
overseeing and facilitating the program activities. The volunteer
becomes a companion, confidant, friend, mentor, or role model.
There is a per match fee that covers the salary of the assigned professional social worker,
a stipend for the school coordinator, and the cost of transportation for the youth to and from
the program.
2. Alumni Club Model (two hours a month for nine months)
The Alumni Club Model adapts the Workplace Mentoring Program to university alumni clubs based in
New York City. Alumni club members meet with their "Littles" in the early evening at an office space
provided by the volunteers or at the Workplace Mentoring Center offices in midtown Manhattan.
The program meets once a month. Visits are 2 hours in length, generally in the evenings from 5-7 pm.
There is a per match fee that covers the salary of the assigned professional social worker, a stipend for
the school coordinator, and the cost of transportation for the youth to and from the program.
3. Step4ward
4. Summer Internship Program
A wonderful opportunity for New York City businesses to positively impact the city's youth by helping
to lay the foundation for their career success. All of our junior and senior high school student interns
are Littles who have completed at least one year in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC Workplace
Mentoring Program. These students are therefore screened, have experience in corporate settings,
and have professional workplace skills. Students are typically placed in general office settings,
mailrooms, reception areas, etc. Internships can be either paid or unpaid. Big Brothers Big
Sisters of NYC assigns a social worker to act as the liaison between the students and the companies
and to support the students throughout the summer placements. If your business is interested in
hosting Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC Littles as interns for the summer or even during the
school year, please contact us.
5. One-time Mentoring Opportunities (minimum of two hours)
We will bring youth together with corporate volunteers in a structured and fun away. Companies have the
opportunity to choose the format of the day. Options include community service projects, recreational
trips, and corporate career days.
Typically, these are one-day programs lasting a minimum of two hours. Corporations provide funding for
the program activity, including transportation for the students, and snack for the participants. Corporations
are also responsible for recruiting volunteers from within their organization.
More than 45 corporations and 1,000 Bigs and Littles now
participate in our Workplace Mentoring Program.
For more information on any of our Workplace Mentoring Programs, email at
wmc@bigsnyc.org.
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