How the Mentoring Matters Model Works
CIS’s school-based Program Managers identify students who are in need of an adult mentor. BBBS matches these students (“Littles”) with volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) who have completed a thorough interview process and mentor training.  Bigs commit to meeting their Littles 3-4 times a month and visit their Little at school for the first few months. All matches begin community based activities when match members are ready. Matches can then meet in whatever combination of school and community visits works best for the pair.Some matches meet at school during the academic year and in the community during the summer, while others meet exclusively in the community.

What do School-Based Visits Look Like?

School visits normally happen during lunch time or student's elective classes. A CIS Program Manager orients mentors to the school site and suggests possible meeting places for visits. They also provide supplies, games, or other materials that might be helpful. Examples of school-based activities include:

·        Playing a game of UNO

·        Doing an arts and crafts project together

·        Working on the computer together in the library

·        Playing around-the-world on the basketball court

What are Off-Campus Activities?
Getting together off-campus gives Bigs and Littles a chance to get to know each other better. Activities can be as simple as:

·        Attending a group event organized by Mentoring Matters

·        Playing sports together

·        Cooking a meal

·        Going for ice cream

·        Going to a volleyball or soccer game at your Little's school

·        Taking a walk through the park

·        Visiting a local university or technical college

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