Big Buddies Programs
There is no doubt that the quality of the education system in our state is vital to the healthy development of our youth. Our schools have always been, and will continue to be, the place where youth learn many of the vital skills and knowledge they need to find their way in the world. Much of youth’s development, however, takes place outside the classroom, away from the watchful eyes of parents, in time spent with peers, friends, or engaged in solitary activity. The quality and content of this time can mean the difference between an adult whose impact on society is positive and one who never reaches his or her developmental potential. Thoughtfully designed and effectively administered out-of-school-time enrichment programs complement and reinforce the learning and development that goes on in the classroom; the converse is also true.
Data shows that children who are given access to out-of-school-time activities which are of high quality, which are designed and staffed by professionals, and which are based on youth development research enjoy a wider variety of positive outcomes ranging from success to better health. Published in 1992 by the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, A Matter of Time: Risk and Opportunity in the Nonschool Hours, concluded that “the nonschool hours are the proving ground on which young people test and master their own interests, thus developing the skills and confidence that promote the other three R’s – resourcefulness, responsibility, and reliability.”
ONE TO ONE MENTORING
Youth meet weekly for 1-3 hours with a mentor. Together the youth and mentor use the Big Buddies’ Helping Hand of Mentoring curriculum focusing on 5 key areas for positive youth development: building self-esteem, respecting others, making appropriate decisions, helping others, and expanding horizons.
GENERATION NEXT I
Teenage youth participate in a 12 week series focusing on increasing self-esteem, learning leadership skills, and developing talents. Sessions address: body image and self- esteem, health and nutrition, exercise and staying active, building better relationships, exploring heritage and appreciating diversity, character development, exploring role models, recognizing skills and talents, and exploring the future.
GENERATION NEXT II
Teenage youth participate in a 12 week series designed to assist schools in helping secondary school students discover passions, investigate careers, turn passions into career ideas, and make decisions about training, post-secondary study, and work. Participants develop a personalized portfolio addressing academic readiness, social and civic involvement, and securing financial resources for post-secondary education.
GENERATION NEXT III
Teenage youth participate in a 12 week series which concentrates on exploring leadership and gaining an awareness of how differently people view leadership. Topics include: what leadership means to me, the leaders in my life, leaders and followers, doing the right thing, thinking creatively, and communicating with style.
