How It Works

Step 1: Interview & Enrollment

After completing an application and background check you'll meet one-on-one with a Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) staff member. You'll have a chance to describe your personality, what your interests are and to ask any other questions you may have about Project Mentor. The interview gives Project Mentor all of the information they need to make a match!

Step 2: Training

Once approved you'll be trained by BBBS, the Mentoring Center of Central Ohio and Columbus Public Schools. The training includes workshops on how to be a mentor and how to relate to adolescents and young people.

Step 3: The Match

After you are approved and trained you will be matched with a student who needs an adult role model to encourage and support them as they pursue their high school diploma. Project Mentor staff will help you find a school and a time for mentoring that will work with your schedule. Students will be referred to the program by teachers and counselors and must have parental permission and a desire to participate.

Step 4: Mentoring

You and your student will meet at school once a week for one hour during or immediately following the school day. Within the Project Mentor guidelines, mentors may choose to work with the student on their homework, share an afternoon snack, participate on activities planned by your BBBS Program Coordinator, or talk about their day over lunch. BBBS staff members provide on-going support, training and coaching to help you along the way.