Frequently Asked Questions

What is Project Mentor?

Project Mentor is a plan designed to empower CCS students for success through strong mentoring relationships. The goal is to transform Columbus City Schools (CCS) and ultimately Central Ohio's community — one child at a time. Learn More »

How often does mentoring take place?

Mentors meet with their child at school for about an hour at the same time on the same day each week. Investing one hour a week in a child is a powerful investment we each need to make. Learn More »

What do the mentor and the student do together?

Mentors spend time with their students on activities designed by Project Mentor staff to help build their relationship and support character development and literacy. Coordinator-provided activities are always available throughout the school year. Within the guidelines of the program, matches may choose more individually-focused activities at any time. Mentors are trained and coached up front and throughout the mentoring relationship. Learn More »

Which children in each school will be mentored?

Project Mentor students are those students who are assessed as most likely to benefit from a mentoring relationship. Criteria include test scores and eligibility for the free or reduced school lunch program, and some students are also recommended by their teachers as demonstrating a special need for inclusion in the mentoring program. All students must have parental consent and be willing to participate.

How do the children benefit?

Mentors help youth develop proactive factors that increase their chances of being successful at school and in life. Big Brothers Big Sisters' School-based Mentoring program allows mentors and students to form relationships that focus on building blocks of healthy development — known as the Search Institute's Developmental Assets — that help young people grow up healthy, caring and responsible. Areas of development include academic performance, self-esteem, caring attitudes and social competencies. By helping students, mentors increase the likelihood that they will graduate from high school and succeed in life.

Why is this a good investment for the community?

Reaching the Project Mentor goal would result in a positive economic impact. Helping more students succeed produces greater employability and increased earning power. Our economy will benefit from a more highly-educated workforce, as well as reduced costs associated with social services.Learn More »

How does the volunteer process work?

Volunteers are interviewed, enrolled, approved and provided with up-front training from Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Mentoring Center of Central Ohio. BBBS Program Coordinators are on-site whenever volunteers are on-site to provide case management, support and supervision for matches. Learn More »

Who are possible volunteers?

Many businesses have encouraged their employees to mentor and "adopt" a school. Employers that support employee mentoring find great appreciation and satisfaction from their employees for supporting them in helping kids.

Other mentors include people from service organizations, retirement organizations, faith-based organizations and of course individuals in the community at large. Join us today!

What about volunteer diversity?

Volunteer diversity is an important aspect of volunteer recruitment. Leaders from the African American, Hispanic and Somali communities need to be an integral part of recruitment leadership and volunteer participation.