FAQ

In all our mentoring programs, we ask Bigs and Littles to commit to a minimum of 12 months together. Typically, matches meet one to four times monthly for at least an hour each time, depending on the program. For our community-based program, we request at least two meetings per month, with all activities approved by parents or guardians.

What we need are caring, consistent adults willing to share life’s lessons. Throughout your mentoring journey, you will have a dedicated, trained staff member from BBBSU to support you in building a friendship with your Little and helping them achieve their goals.

We strive to make matches based on shared interests, backgrounds and preferences, which takes time. We do not rush through matches; instead, we invest in getting to know each Big, parent and child through extensive interviews and reference checks. Once accepted, our team seeks the best match for each volunteer and contacts them with potential matches, allowing them to decide if it is the right fit.

We welcome individuals of all gender identities. Matches are made based on the gender identities of both Bigs and Littles. For those identifying differently or as part of the LGBTQ+ community, we discuss preferences and make decisions based on mentor availability. Big Couples are often matched with Littles due to high demand for male mentors.

BBBSU serves seven counties in Utah and has offices in Salt Lake City, Park City and St. George. If you are near these areas, you can become a mentor. If not, inquire and we will explore possibilities. Site-based and Mentor2.0 programs aim to match mentors with nearby schools, while community-based matches strive for proximity to minimize travel time.

Our Littles, aged 6-18 (average 12), come from diverse backgrounds and face various challenges. We prioritize those from low-to-moderate income households, often including refugees or those affected by parental incarceration. Referrals come from schools, nonprofits and direct applications, with all children meeting eligibility criteria and expressing a desire to participate. Parents or guardians must also complete applications and safety training, committing to regular communication and support.

Becoming a mentor is an exciting journey and timing largely depends on your proactive engagement with our application process. Typically, it takes about one to three months from the time you apply to when you are matched with your child, but your responsiveness can expedite the process significantly. See our step-by-step application process.

To qualify as a mentor, the age requirements vary based on the program you choose to participate in. Community-based Bigs must be at least 18 years old, while site-based Bigs can be adults or high school students (Freshmen/Juniors). Our Mentor2.0 program requires mentors to be college graduates or possess equivalent professional or military experience. There is no upper age limit to being a Big and individuals from various life stages, including retirees, college students and those undergoing major life transitions, are welcome to apply.

The cost of being a Big is minimal since we cover the application processing fees. Moreover, mentors in site-based and Mentor2.0 programs enjoy events hosted at partner schools without any additional charges. In the community-based program, we encourage mentors to explore low-to-no cost activities with their matches, providing resources and occasional free tickets to events.

We prioritize safety through thorough background checks for all volunteers, including multi-level checks at federal, state and local levels, recurring monthly National Criminal Background Checks and reference checks from various sources.

Our approach to criminal records is case-specific. We encourage full disclosure and will assess each situation individually. While some offenses may not be barriers, such as minor or historical ones, others, like ongoing cases, may present challenges. Individuals with a DWI or DUI charge within the past five years are ineligible for mentoring positions in our programs.

Transportation is not a barrier to mentoring, as volunteers without a car can participate in Site-Based or Mentor2.0 programs. For those joining the community-based program, access to transportation options like owning a car, using ride-sharing services or utilizing public transit expands the possibilities of finding a suitable match, albeit potentially requiring a bit more time.

Absolutely! Our mentors, known as Bigs, receive comprehensive support throughout their journey. Once you and your Little agree to be matched, our enrollment team orchestrates a “match meeting,” facilitating introductions between you, your Little and their parent or guardian. During this session, we review guidelines, help you plan activities and introduce you to your dedicated Match Support Specialist, providing their contact details for ongoing assistance.

Around two weeks into your match, your Match Support will reach out, typically by phone, to ensure everything is going smoothly. Following this, they will maintain monthly check-ins for the first year and transition to quarterly calls thereafter. Additionally, Big Brothers Big Sisters University (BBBSU) hosts a variety of training sessions covering diverse topics like Cultural Sensitivity and Suicide Prevention. We strongly encourage participation in these sessions and if there is a specific area you are interested in, feel free to suggest it.

You can count on our Match Support team whenever you have questions or need assistance. They are dedicated to ensuring you have the resources and guidance necessary for a fulfilling mentoring experience. Remember, the parent or guardian of your Little can also offer valuable support and insights, especially for community-based matches. Plus, if you are matched through a Site or mentor2.0, there are onsite staff available for any inquiries.

We strive to align Big and Little matches based on shared interests, but involving your Little in activity planning is key. Empowering them in this process fosters engagement and strengthens your bond. Whether it is pursuing mutual hobbies, exploring new interests or simply spending quality time together, the possibilities are endless.

For community-based matches, activities are scheduled at your convenience, focusing more on the time spent together than the cost. From grabbing ice cream to attending local events, the emphasis is on creating memorable experiences. Site-based and mentor2.0 matches participate in predetermined activities coordinated by BBBSU staff.

Initially, it is essential for you and your Little to build a one-on-one connection. However, as your relationship evolves, introducing your Little to significant people in your life becomes valuable. After three months, with parent/guardian approval and notification to your match support, you can occasionally include others in outings. Remember, maintaining the focus on your friendship with your Little is paramount.

A Big Couple consists of two mentors in a committed relationship, matched with the same Little Brother. While marriage is not a requirement, a long-term commitment of at least two years is necessary. This option provides a shared mentoring experience, with each person meeting volunteer requirements individually.

While we strive for enduring matches, we acknowledge that circumstances may change. Whether due to relocation, shifting dynamics or other factors, we are here to support you through any challenges. If a match is not successful, we will facilitate a healthy closure, encouraging reflection on the positive aspects of your time together.

Our mentoring programs aim to empower young people towards academic and personal success, with mentors making a lasting impact. We request a minimum commitment of 12 months, though matches often extend far beyond. The average duration is approximately 30 months for Community-Based matches and 19 months for Site-Based/mentor2.0. Some matches even last a decade or more, with participants graduating from the program upon turning 18 or completing high school.”