Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) serves 1,100+ youth annually through mentoring relationships. We believe that inherent in every young person is the potential to thrive, and we partner with parents/caregivers, volunteers, schools, and the donors in our community to help youth achieve:

1. Higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships;
2. Educational success; and
3. Avoidance of risky behaviors.

BBBSCI is committed to ongoing learning and growth in the space of justice, equity, diversity, & inclusion (JEDI). Together, we affirm that every person should have the opportunity to reach their full, inherent potential in an environment where everybody feels respected and valued.

Have questions? Click the following link to fill out a short interest form and schedule a call with one of our team members: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/5005308.

A “Big” is a caring individual, aged 19 years or older (no cut off on age), who is interested in being a part of a child’s life at least 4-6 hours per month which is 2+ hangouts per month, for a minimum of one year.

A "Big" is simply another positive, supportive adult outside of the child's home that the child can spend time with, explore new things, and work towards goals together.

Have questions? Click the following link to fill out a short interest form and schedule a call with one of our team members: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/5005308.

• I am 19+ years of age.
• I am able to meet with a child 2-4 times a month for one year.
• I have a valid I.D. (driver's license/state I.D.).
• I have reliable transportation, with valid auto insurance. I will disclose any  license suspension(s).
• I have been free of alcohol and drug abuse/dependency for at least 3 years, and I have not used illegal drugs or controlled substances in the past 3 years.
• I do not have a criminal record involving a violent crime.  I do not have a criminal record within the past 3 years.
• I am willing to disclose medical and mental health history that would affect my ability to mentor a child.
• I will attend an interview with a BBBSCI team member.
• I will give consent for BBBSCI to complete a multi-layered background check, including fingerprint, local/state/national background, sex offender, and motor vehicle report.
• I will submit 3+ personal references. I understand all references will be contacted by a BBBSCI staff member via email or telephone.
• I will attend the required training sessions assigned to me.

Our enrollment process is designed to result in long-strong, and healthy match relationships. For a variety of reasons, we may not feel our BBBSCI program is the best fit for an applicant. An applicant may be notified at any point during their involvement with the BBBSCI program. Reasons for non-acceptance will not be disclosed.

Have questions? Click the following link to fill out a short interest form and schedule a call with one of our team members: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/5005308.

"Littles" are young people who reside in Marion, Hamilton, Johnson County and reach out to us wanting an additional supportive adult in their life. When they sign up for the BBBS program, Littles are between the ages of 8-14, however we serve Littles (you can remain matched with your Little) until the age of 18.

Kids in our program come from a variety of different backgrounds, want to participate, have immense potential, and are excited to meet you! Parent/caregiver involvement is crucial to the success of each mentoring relationship; therefore, throughout your involvement, you will develop a working relationship with the parent/caregiver of the child with whom you are matched.

Have questions? Click the following link to fill out a short interest form and schedule a call with one of our team members: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/5005308.

• Mentoring Relationship Specialist - After you are matched, you’ll get a dedicated Mentoring Relationship Specialist (BBBSCI team member) who will stay in touch with you monthly to provide assistance and feedback. However, you can always reach out to them whenever you are unsure about how to handle a situation or what to do next. They’ll guide you with ideas for fun activities, advise you on handling potential challenging situations, and provide feedback on how you’re making a difference.
• Trainings - All volunteers are required to attend an in-person training called Mentor 101. This is an all-encompassing training that covers topics such as youth development, your role as a Big, expectations, and how to set you up for success as a Big. We understand volunteers may not have a lot of experience with kids, and that's okay! We are here to support you. Additional trainings will be made available and are individually identified throughout your involvement with us to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in your role.
• Low to No Cost Activities - The quality of the time you invest in your Little is more important than the amount of money you spend. Activity team members at BBBSCI work hard to find opportunities within the community and plan activities for all mentoring relationships that are low to no cost. Activities can be as simple as going for a hike, playing a board game, cooking dinner together, or tossing a football at the park.
• The Big App - Once matched, you will have complete access to our app, "The Big App!" This app is a one-stop shop to find low-no cost activities available to you and your Little. Click here to learn more about The Big App!

Have questions? Click the following link to fill out a short interest form and schedule a call with one of our team members: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/5005308.

Ready to get started?! Here are the next steps:

1. Apply to be a Big - First step is to take 5-10 minutes to fill out our application. You will be asked to provide reference information and directed to complete an online background check. We do ask applicants to pay $25 towards their background checks to off-set cost. Upon completion, we will be in touch to schedule your interview! Click the following link to apply: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/5003939.
2. Schedule your interview - Once done with your application and background check, BBBSCI team members will be in touch to schedule your two-hour, required interview. This gives us an opportunity to learn more about you, ensure our program is a good fit, and informs us on how we match you. Your interview can be completed virtually or in person at our office. Along with your interview we will complete the second part of your background check, fingerprints. This will be included in your in-person interview, or scheduled separately if you chose the virtual option.
3. Attend your Mentor 101 training - Your file is reviewed by our team to determine program eligibility. Upon determining program eligibility, we will work with you to schedule your one time, in-person, required training. The training last about 2.5 hours and is held at the BBBSCI Mentoring Hub. This training is the start of preparing you for success in your mentoring relationship! It's a great space to ask any questions you might have.
4. You're matched! - We recognize our enrollment process is thorough and takes time…trust us, it's worth it! Child safety is our #1 priority and making successful matches is our bread and butter. We will work to match you based on location, interests, strengths, and recommendations gathered from your interview. A team member will reach out with more details about your potential Little once identified and the fun begins shortly after!

Ready to apply & start your journey towards becoming a Big? Click the following link to fill out the full application: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/5003939.

Have questions? Click the following link to fill out a short interest form and schedule a call with one of our team members: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/5005308.