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The MentorU program engages local adult volunteer mentors and 9th through 12th graders at 2 local high schools: Interlake High School in Bellevue and West Seattle High School in West Seattle. Mentors are matched with teens for 1:1 mentoring sessions that take place just once each month after school during the academic year.

Using a social-emotional learning methodology, youth participants are guided through personal development and beyond high school planning activities with volunteer mentors at their side for support and guidance.

The program uses a cohort-based approach, working with incoming 9th graders, with the goal of ongoing student participation from 9th through 12th grade. Most mentors will be matched with incoming 9th graders.  Volunteer mentors in MentorU simply sit and talk with a high schooler during one 90-minute facilitated mentoring session per month.

One Session a Month to Make a Difference

Right now, we are looking for 120 volunteers of all gender identities, races, nationalities, and backgrounds who are willing to spend just an hour and a half per month to help kids in MentorU achieve their BIGGEST, brightest futures.

Are YOU ready to #BEBIG?

Volunteer Big brother sits with young man outside

Help Bridge The Gap

One in three kids in America are growing up without a sustained, positive adult mentor in their lives. Locally, over 125 kids are on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound’s wait list for a mentor.

The gap between mentorship and youth who need it most continues to widen due to perceived barriers of the time and expertise needed to become a mentor. You can help bridge the gap between people and possibility.

Volunteer Big brother sits with young man at table in front of laptop

It Takes Little To Be Big

To be a great mentor you don’t need to have a specific title, a degree, or any special qualifications other than being compassionate, patient, and accepting. Even the littlest moments can grow into big ones. Because sometimes all we need is a little encouragement, a little hope, and a little inspiration.

It just takes a little time, a little encouragement and a laugh or two, so that every child has what—and who—they need to achieve a BIG and bright future.

Volunteer Big Sister poses for photo with Little Sister in graduation cap and gown

Mentoring Works

Mentoring has a long track record of proven positive outcomes. Locally, 100% of young people matched with mentors through BBBS of Puget Sound graduate high school.

Last year, a staggering 79% of youth with a mentor experienced improvement in or reported no worsening of depressive symptoms. The MentorU model of social-emotional programming directly supports these positive outcomes.

Are YOU ready to #BEBIG?