Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro AtlantaLevel Up
A school-based mentoring model that places professionally trained mentors inside middle schools to provide consistent support to students.
Students at partner middle schools, including students exhibiting classroom disruptions, student conflicts and other behaviors · During the school day on a set schedule, similarly to how Connections work in a student's schedule
From bbbsatl.org/level-up ↗About this program
Future-Focused In-School Mentoring
Small group and 1:1 mentoring by trained, professional mentors who work in the school, providing students the opportunity to be mentored during the school day.
Created in response to the needs expressed by principals, counselors, and administrators for trained positive adult role models to provide consistent and direct mentoring for students who are exhibiting classroom disruptions, student conflicts and other behaviors at unprecedented levels.
Designed to serve 100 students per grade at partner middle schools through small group and 1:1 mentoring.
The Level Up Program served 1800+ Students at all 6 sites during the 25-26 School Year. Over the next 3 years, we expect to expand Level Up to serve 2800 students at 12 schools.
Questions
Who are the mentors?
The mentors in the Level Up program are Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta employees called Lead Mentors. Their whole job is to be a mentor to youth! They are professionally and continually trained to provide the highest standard of mentorship and relationship-building with youth in the program.
Who are the Littles?
Any student can enroll to be a Little (a mentee) at a Level Up School. The school team is on board for Littles to reach their full potential by meeting with their mentor during the school day at their designated time.
How does it work?
Each Lead Mentor leads several small groups of up to 5 Littles at time and some 1:1 sessions for other mentees. When Mentors and Littles meet, they're taking time to talk about their day, connect, build relational skills, and improve social-emotional connection. This all happens during the school day on a set schedule, similarly to how Connections work in a student's schedule.
What does mentoring do?
Research and experience shows that mentorship leads to positive outcomes for youth, including a greater sense of belonging, having clear plans and ideas for their future, avoidance of risky behaviors, and improved social-emotional skills.
Details
- Who
- Students at partner middle schools, including students exhibiting classroom disruptions, student conflicts and other behaviors
- When
- During the school day on a set schedule, similarly to how Connections work in a student's schedule
- Where
- Partner schools: H.J. Russell West End Academy, Jean Childs Young Middle School, Jonesboro Middle School, Lithonia Middle School, Ralph J. Bunche Middle School,
Run by
Be A BigThe classic Big Brothers Big Sisters model: a young person matched with a caring adult mentor.
GO BEYONDA workplace-connected mentoring model that introduces students to career pathways, life skills, and employee mentors through corporate partnerships.
Big FuturesBig Futures is not a standalone program. It is a suite of resources, experiences, and opportunities youth aged 13 and up across BBBSMA programs.