Programs
Meeting the needs of girls
Big Sister Boston is immersed in the diverse communities we serve through a variety of programs. We make and support one-to-one mentoring relationships in the community, in schools, and in workplaces throughout Greater Boston. These relationships are strengthened by the enrichment programs we provide for our Big and Little Sisters which are focused on career awareness, the arts, STEM, safety, wellness, and healthy decision-making. Our programs are designed to support the unique social-emotional needs of girls between the ages of 7-24.
Community-Based Mentoring
Our largest one-to-one mentoring program matches girls between the ages of 7-15 with a Big Sister. These Little Sisters meet individually with their Big Sisters at a date and time of their choosing, and engage in low- to no-cost activities that can range from baking to basketball, watching movies to simply talking with each other. Big and Little Sisters commit to at least one year together and meet twice a month for a few hours.
Little Sisters can remain matched with their Big Sisters until they are 20 years old, at which point they graduate from the program and can become Big Sisters themselves and receive support through the age of 24!
Apply to Become a Community-Based Mentoring Big Sister
Enroll a Little Sister in Community-Based Mentoring
Big for a Day
Girls who are enrolled with us in Community-Based Mentoring, but not yet matched with a Big Sister can participate in a once monthly group activity with a Big for a Day volunteer led by our staff. This way girls who are waiting to be matched are engaged with us from the start.
Site-Based Mentoring
Our Site-Based Mentoring programs take place in schools and community centers in Boston, Cambridge, and Quincy. Big and Little Sisters meet once a week during the school day or their after-school program, and commit to at least three academic semesters together, excluding summer break and school holidays. During visits, they read books, learn new skills, work on projects of their mutual choosing, or engage in physical activities. Site-Based Mentoring creates a safe space for girls to have fun, learn, and grow alongside their Big Sisters during their busy school day.
Apply to Become a Site-Based Mentoring Big Sister
Enroll a Little Sister in Site-Based Mentoring
In addition to our traditional Site-Based Mentoring model, we offer these specialized programs:
- Workplace Mentoring
- High School Mentoring Academy
Workplace Mentoring
Girls have the opportunity to think big about their futures in this program. Workplace Mentoring pairs employees at a company with Little Sisters from a local school. Little Sisters meet with their Big Sisters at the company’s office, providing a meaningful mentoring experience, and valuable career awareness.
High School Mentoring Academy
This unique program takes place in Dorchester with teen students from Boston Latin Academy who mentor Little Sisters at the Trotter Innovation School. The teen Big Sisters also participate in our Girls Leadership Program (GLP) facilitated by our staff. The GLP provides them with leadership training needed to have a positive impact on their schools and communities. Topics include conflict resolution, communication skills, and career exploration.
Enrichment Programs
We are more than mentoring. Our enrichment programs foster sisterhood among our Community-Based Mentoring matches while promoting girls’ physical, social, and emotional health. Activities are designed to build skills and broaden Little Sisters’ horizons at different ages and stages of development as they learn and grow alongside their Big Sisters. Our staff host these activities in partnership with talented individuals, local businesses, and community and civic organizations.
