In This Section: Program Options | What To Expect
Thank you for your interest in our community-based mentoring programs!
We are pleased to share that we are accepting applications to our Big Brother, Big Sister and PRISM programs for young people in the majority of the Edmonton and areas that we serve. However, there are a few areas that are still closed to applications for male mentees, as our waitlist is at capacity in these specific communities. Please review our application form to see if you live in an eligible area.
We continue to accept referrals from our agency partners in the Family Resource Networks, as well as for young people with Children and Family Services involvement.
For further questions and inquiries, please contact the Community-Based Coordinator, Haley Weeks, at haley.weeks@bgcbigs.ca or call 780-264-7143.
Program Options
With multiple programs to choose from, finding the right fit for you, your goals and availability is easy.
Please see below for the program options in Strathcona County!
Community-Based Program
Traditionally known as Big Brothers Big Sisters, our mentoring programs have grown in their diversity over the years. We’ll match your child with a mentor who will spend time with them out in the community. The focus is on positive role modelling.
In addition, we enroll young people who have had involvement with Children Services and could be living in alternate arrangements such as Foster Homes, Group Homes, or Kinship placements.
Ages Served: Children and youth between ages 6 and 24.
PRISM Mentoring Program
PRISM is a mentoring program designed specifically for the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Edmonton and Area.
The PRISM program matches children and youth who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ with an adult mentor who also identifies as 2SLGBTQ+ for a 1:1 mentoring relationship. Through regular outings, the match will foster a supportive, empowering, and fun friendship!
Ages Served: Children and youth between ages 6 and 24.
In-School Mentoring Program
Our In-School Mentoring Program provides young people with a role model and friend to talk to all from the familiar space of their own school. Children and youth ages 6-18 are matched with a mentor who will meet with them for an hour every week. Each meeting follows the “20-20-20 model,” which involves 20 minutes of getting to know each other, 20 minutes of school work support, and 20 minutes of your children or youth’s choice in activities. All mentors are fully screened and trained by our agency and contact with mentors is limited to the school setting only.
Currently we have partnerships for in school mentoring programs at Brentwood Elementary, Glen Allan Elementary, Mills Haven Elementary and Woodbridge Farms Elementary. Other schools interested in learning more can reach out to Alexandra Jansen at alexandra.jansen@bgcbigs.ca for more information.
Ages Served: Children and youth between ages 6 and 18.
Please note that your child must attend one of the schools listed on the application to have an in-school mentor. Click here to see a list of our schools.
Enrollment Process
1. Application Form
Community-Based Mentoring: We are pleased to share that we are accepting applications to our Big Brother, Big Sister and PRISM Programs for young people in the majority of the Edmonton and areas that we serve. However, there are a few areas that are still closed to applications for male mentees, as our waitlist is at capacity in these specific communities.
Please review our application form to see if you live in an eligible area.
We continue to accept referrals from our agency partners in the Family Resource Networks, as well as for young people with Children and Family Services Involvement.
For further questions and inquiries, please contact the Community Based Coordinator, Haley Weeks, at haley.weeks@bgcbigs.ca or call 780-264-7143.
In-School Mentoring: Complete the application form by clicking the “Enroll a child” button below. You can see the list of qualifying schools in the application.
2. Consents, Interview and Training
We’ll contact the parent/guardian to set up an in-person interview where we’ll get to know the young person so we can match them to the best volunteer. The interview typically takes 2 hours.
We will also complete the Training with the parent/guardian and the young person in the same appointment.
We go over important concepts like boundaries, healthy relationships, and safety to make sure they’re starting their match off right.
3. Matching
This is when we find the young person a volunteer who is going to be a good fit. When we meet for the interview, we will discuss timelines and factors in finding a match.