Needs From: United Way of Central Minnesota Volunteer Connection

The Bigs on Campus Program Assistant plays an important role in supporting a positive and smooth experience for youth participating in our Bigs on Campus program. 

This volunteer position requires a commitment of twice monthly participation from October through May. The volunteer will meet students at school to help ensure they are prepared and ready when the bus arrives. They will ride the bus to campus, assisting with supervision and helping create a safe, supportive environment during transportation.

While on campus, the volunteer will work alongside the Bigs on Campus Coordinator to support activities, assist with logistics, and help ensure a welcoming and engaging experience for all participants. This is a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy working with youth and want to help inspire confidence and interest in higher education.

We are looking for a Bigs on Campus Program Assistant for our partnership with St. Cloud State University and South Jr. High/Tech High School and St. Cloud Technical & Community College and Sauk Rapids Middle School/High School. The commitment is twice a month from October through May for about 2 hours for each meeting. You will be provided a calendar for the full school year prior to starting.

The Bigs on Campus initiative provides an opportunity for community members—including alumni of St. Cloud State University, the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University, and St. Cloud Technical & Community College, as well as others who are passionate about mentoring—to make a meaningful impact in the lives of local youth. 

Through this initiative, mentors help introduce young people to the college environment, offering firsthand exposure to campus life and the possibilities of post-secondary education.   

This program is especially impactful for students who may be the first in their families to attend college. Mentors serve as guides, role models, and sources of encouragement, helping youth explore their potential and build confidence in pursuing higher education.

The commitment is twice a month in person from October thru May around the lunch hour and staying in contact via mail, phone, text, etc. the remaining months.

A Big Family involves an entire family meeting with a Little. This is an opportunity for a family to volunteer together. The Family would be matched with a Little in our Community-Based program. The family would provide friendship, support and hope to the young person with whom they are matched. The family will meet with their Little two to three times a month for 12 months. Popular activities with some of our Big Families include going to the YMCA to play basketball together, baking or making dinner together, movie nights, or just hanging out and playing games. Big Families can also take part in agency sponsored activities such as craft nights, educational activities at SCTCC or a bus to the Twins game. 

Mentors in the Community Based Program provide friendship, support and hope to young people with whom they are matched. This is a one-on-one volunteer opportunity to provide friendship and guidance to a child in Central Minnesota. The volunteer Bigs meet with their Little two to three times a month for at least 12 months. Matches can go to the movies, go fishing, do arts and crafts, read together - whatever they enjoy doing! BBBS staff also plans two to three activities per month that matches are able to attend on top of their outings in the community.

Two adults can team up to mentor a youth. “Duos” may be a spouse, significant other or close friend. As a Big Duo, the two mentors will be enrolled in the Community Based Program to provide friendship, support and hope to one young person with whom they are matched. The volunteers will meet with their Little two to three times a month for at least 12 months doing things that everyone enjoys. Our matches enjoy everything from baking to crafts, dog walking to AirMaxx, walks around Lake George to apple orchards in the fall. Matches can also take part in agency sponsored activities such as craft nights, educational activities at SCTCC or a bus to the Twins game, and they also have the opportunity to do whatever activities both the Big and Little enjoy! 

Make a BIG difference by mentoring a child in the child's school! It's simple. All you need to do is spend 30 minutes once a week or 1 hour twice a month with a local youth at their school. You can play games, hang out in the gym, go to the library, or the computer lab. Every week you will meet in the child's school at a time that works for both you and the child. By meeting at the child's school, you are not expected to be a tutor but simply be a listening, supportive friend to a child who needs someone in his or her life. This type of match relationship is designed as a one year commitment with nine months of that commitment being in-person. Throughout the summer months, contact with your Little Brother or Sister can be done over the phone, through email, or by writing letters.  We are looking for mentors in the Holdingford, Foley, Pierz, Sauk Rapids-Rice, Sartell-St. Stephen and St. Cloud School districts. This opportunity is open to high school students and adults.