Mentoring Programs
The youth in Middle Tennessee need mentors, and your experience is important. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, we match caring adults like you with young people aged 6-23. Ready to make an impact? We offer flexible mentoring options to fit your busy schedule, including in-person and hybrid matches. Every Big receives professional training and ongoing support.
Your commitment helps a young person build confidence, strengthen social skills, and realize their full potential.
Join our community and ignite the power and promise of youth.
Community Based Programs:
Traditional Community Based
Matches in the Community Based program meet for 2-4 hours, twice a month, for a minimum of a one-year commitment. You’ll coordinate with your Little’s parent or guardian to participate in our activities or plan your own! We host events like indoor rock climbing, craft nights, cooking classes, and more. Or, take advantage of our free passes to the YMCA to shoot hoops, use our coupons for ice cream at Jeni’s, or get help planning activities with your Match Support Specialist.
Within the Community Based Program, you may choose to be a part of Sports Buddies. This is a fantastic choice if you love movement, teamwork, and play. This specialized community program allows Bigs and Littles to bond while watching or participating in recreational sports and activities. You’ll still commit 2-3 hours, twice a month, for a one-year commitment. Matches in Sports Buddies agree to attend at least one of our planned activities per month, and in return get first access to exclusive sporting events. It’s a great way to access unique experiences and build confidence, all while enjoying the company of other Bigs and Littles.
Sports Buddies
Traditional Site-Based Programs:
Site-Based
Matches meet at the same location every visit, typically a local school or an after-school program site. You’ll meet at the school or site for one hour, 2-4 times per month for at least a year, when school is in session. All activities – like playing board games, helping with homework, or making crafts – happen on-site.
The High School Bigs program fosters meaningful 1:1 mentoring relationships by pairing high school students as mentors with elementary or middle school students as mentees. These matches meet weekly at the Little’s school for structured, facilitated sessions. Each meeting includes both group activities and dedicated one-on-one time, allowing mentors and mentees to build strong, supportive bonds in a consistent and enriching environment.
High School Bigs
Big Futures:
E-Mentoring
The E-Mentoring Program offers the flexibility of a hybrid model, primarily supporting high school students (ages 14—18) in developing personal, academic, and career skills. Your commitment involves one virtual form of communication weekly when school is in session, plus
a minimum of 3-4 in-person visits during the school day per school year. As a Big, you’ll help a teen navigate entering adulthood, with a commitment of 1—2 academic years. This program is an excellent fit if you’re interested in the flexibility of hybrid mentoring and are excited to prepare young adults for college and careers.
The College Advancement Program (CAP) is your chance to prepare students (ages 18-23) to persist and succeed in their college journey! As a CAP mentor, you’ll commit to one virtual form of communication weekly, with two in-person visits per semester (4 total in a school year), for a 1-2 year commitment. This program is perfect if you’re a college graduate with at least two years of professional experience and are excited to help a college student develop a variety of life skills , build their professional network, and access career insights. This rewarding role offers a flexible way to impact the educational and career success of young adults.
College Advancement Program
Site Based Program Partners Include:
Community Based Programs Available in all counties included in our service area
Davidson County:
- Antioch High School
- James Lawson High School
- LEAD Academy High School
- LEAD Cameron Middle School
- Napier Elementary School
- Preston Taylor Ministries
Rutherford County:
- Cason Lane Elementary School
- Cedar Grove Elementary School
- John Pittard Elementary School
- Stewartsboro Elementary School
Dickson County:
- Creekwood High School
Robertson County:
- Greenbrier Elementary School
Sumner County:
- White House Heritage High School
