Golden Tiger BIGS is a Big Brothers Big Sisters school-based mentoring program which began on August 1, 2017.   It is funded by the Alabama State Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention to assist the students at Russellville City Schools who have not yet reached their full potential.  The Russellville City School System is committed to helping students succeed.  We believe the mentoring program can be a positive tool for use by our students and our community. 

What is School-Based Mentoring:

High School student volunteers or adult volunteers from the community offer children and youth individualized time and attention on a consistent basis with the venue being the child’s school.

Administrators, faculty, staff, counselors, resource officers, student’s parents etc. identify and refer those children who can most benefit from an extra caring mentor.  Volunteers and children meet regularly during the school year (typically each week), utilizing the resources available to them within the school:  computer labs, media center, gym, a classroom, school playground, etc.

Whether the matches play board games, read together or just talk, their relationship promotes a positive school experience for the child:  good attendance, positive peer and adult relationships, a positive attitude and academic enrichment. 

For more information contact:
Ann McDermitt
School Based Mentoring Coordinator
Golden Tiger BIGS
ann@bbbsshoals.org

FAQ’s

• How much time does it take to be a mentor?

  • Matches meet at the mentee’s (Little’s) school for approximately 1 hour each week for 10 months (or from the beginning of the match until the end of the school year).  

• What do matches do together?

  • Play games, read a book, enjoy a hobby, crafts, homework, work a puzzle, etc. The most important thing a mentor can do for a “Little” is to be a friend. 

• What is the vision of Golden Tiger BIGS?

  • That all children achieve success in life.  

• What is the mission of Golden Tiger BIGS?

  • Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one to one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.