Group Mentoring prepares 9th grade students to be matched in our mentor2.0 program in the 10th grade, and provides them with valuable leadership, team building, and relationship management skills. The program provides volunteer mentors the opportunity to work with youth in our community in a group setting. A BBBS Match Support Specialist provides weekly guided curriculum with prompts to encourage group discussions.
- One mentor works with 2-6 youth during school hours
- Groups meet once a week in-person
- 40–50 minute class sessions with 4 sessions to choose from
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is running the program?
A: Group Mentoring is a partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Central New Mexico, and a local New Mexico High School. BBBS personnel oversee the program and work with the school administrators to incorporate class time during the school day that supports students preparing for college and career.
Q: What is the benefit?
A: Group Mentoring provides valuable leadership, team building, and relationship management skills to high school students in preparation for career readiness. Students receive group projects emphasizing academic success and social and emotional learning through a curriculum tailored to prepare them for high school graduation.
Q: How does it work?
A: Volunteer mentors work with 2-6 students once a week in an in-person small group setting in the classroom. A BBBS employee provides weekly curriculum with prompts to encourage group discussion. Group mentoring prepares 9th graders for the mentor2.0 one-to-one mentoring program.
Q: How often do they meet?
A: Class will meet once a week for 45-50 minutes. The class will follow a class schedule and professionally developed curriculum from BBBS that is adapted for each teacher’s requirements.
Q: What happens during class time?
A: The class will have different components, including facilitated curriculum developed by BBBS professionals. There will be time for group projects, group discussion, and assistance with class activities.
Q: How are the mentors screened?
A: BBBS of CNM will conduct background checks, fingerprinting and reference checks for all mentors participating in the program.
Q: What is the responsibility of the parent/guardian?
A: BBBS will require a signed parental form for students to participate in any of our BBBS programs. BBBS staff also follows up with families each semester, and shares what we are working on with groups during the school year; and are available for any questions.
Q: Do the students receive extra credit?
A: This program fits into the whole-school model where every high school student receives partial credit hours each year and prepares them to advance into Mentor2.0, which is our one-to-one mentoring program, until they graduate.
Q: What safety guidelines are in place?
A: A trained BBBS employee will coordinate and facilitate all classroom sessions. No contact is allowed between mentors and mentees outside of class. Volunteer mentors will receive extensive training on safety precautions, trauma informed care, and mandatory reporting.
Have more questions? Contact Pete Garcia at [email protected] or 505.644.0660.