Member News

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of South-Central PA announces the launch of 20 "High School Bigs" programs across their 7-county footprint for the 2024/25 school year, expanding the commitment to youth mentorship and community engagement.

BBBS of South-Central PA has facilitated the High School Bigs program in school districts throughout their service area for over 30 years. Many of the High School Bigs programs launched this school year are part of a multi-year partnership within a school district. Returning students may be matched with the Big or Little from the prior school year or be rematched with a new mentor or mentee in the program.          

The High School Bigs program connects high school students with elementary and middle school youth, fostering leadership skills for the more senior students while providing essential support and guidance to younger peers.        

"Oftentimes the best place for a child to realize their potential is at school," says Amanda Dunn, VP of Programs. "Kids enjoy meeting with their Bigs in the classroom or the playground and parents, teachers and staff can see the positive impact it makes."           

Big Sister Taij at Central Dauphin High School understands the powerful influence of having an older role model and remembers how engaging with older students in her youth helped her gain deeper self-awareness and a new perspective.        

Taij is proud to give back and make a difference for her Little. "I think Ava has learned how to take bigger things into consideration. When we first started out there were things that had upset her in school and throughout the day, and she’s learned to manage her emotions and how to talk it out."         

The program not only enhances the lives of those being mentored but also equips High School students with vital skills in communication, teamwork, and interpersonal relations. This unique program encourages participants to grow as leaders and role models, shaping the future of their communities. This school year, BBBS of South-Central PA has over 700 youth engaged in the High School Bigs program.          

Additional highlights of the program include:

• Skill Development: High School Bigs engage in activities designed to enhance their leadership and mentoring abilities while promoting positive behaviors among younger students.  
• Community Impact: By fostering relationships between generations, the program strengthens community ties and inspires a culture of giving back.

Big Brother Jon at Susquenita High School joined the program because he wished that during elementary school he had a mentor beyond his family. "My Little is a big part of every week during the school year; seeing each other not only makes his day, but mine as well," Jon says.         

The program has given Jon more confidence in communicating with people who aren’t his age, older or younger. "My experiences really made me understand how to be a mentor, a leader, a better friend, and a better person," he adds. 

BBBS of South-Central PA facilitates High School Bigs programs in the following school districts:                

• Cumberland County: Cumberland Valley School District; Carlisle Area School District; East Pennsboro School District; South Middleton School District  
• Dauphin County: Capital Area School of the Arts & Pennsylvania STEAM Academy; Central Dauphin School District - Central Dauphin; Central Dauphin School District - CD East; Harrisburg School District - Sci Tech; Millersburg Area School District  
• Lebanon County: Annville-Cleona School District; Cornwall-Lebanon School District; Lebanon City School District; Northern Lebanon School District; Palmyra School District  
• Lancaster County: Columbia Area School District; Donegal School District; School District of Lancaster  
• Perry County: Susquenita School District  
• York County: Central York School District; York Suburban School District

BBBS of South-Central PA invites parents, educators, and community members to support the High School Bigs program by encouraging High School students to apply as mentors or inquiring about enrolling their elementary or middle school student. Interested individuals can learn more about the program and the application process by visiting www.capbigs.org or contacting BBBS of South-Central PA at 717-236-0199.        

As a DCED-approved educational improvement organization these programs are made possible through generous EITC donations. To find out more about how to make an EITC donation contact Mary Murphy at mmurphy@capbigs.org.