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October 2022

October Match of the Month

By Match Stories

As we close out Hispanic Heritage Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay would like to share a note from one of our Match Support Specialists, Sergimar Henriquez. Our MSS team is key to the continued success of our youth mentoring programs. Sergimar shares:

“Little Brother Alexander and Big Sister Carmela have been matched for three years but, every time I check in, it seems like they have been matched for five years or even longer! When I first started working with them, Carmela explained that Alexander had only been in the US for 3 years and was struggling to acclimate to his new environment. Furthermore, Alexander’s family speaks only Spanish, adding yet another barrier to accessing certain spaces and resources.

“Thankfully, Carmela can truly relate to her Little because she also had to learn English when she started school in the US. This is a topic that also hits home for me. I struggled to learn English myself and took ESL courses throughout elementary and middle school; it is not easy or fun. (I was born in New York, but my family is Hispanic, and Spanish is the primary language spoken at home.) Alexander is steadily improving his English with the phone app Duolingo and of course, consistent help from his Big.

“Carmela shows Alexander it is crucial to learn English to succeed in school, but also highlights the importance of being bilingual — an asset for his future education and career. In addition to Spanish, Carmela helps Alexander with math concepts to ensure his overall academic success.

“Big Carmela goes above and beyond to help Alexander succeed by giving him positive encouragement, guiding him with his goals, and celebrating his accomplishments. I know Alexander and his family truly appreciate her tireless commitment to this Match. I am proud to serve as the duo’s Match Support Specialist and look forward to continuing to support them through their mentorship journey.”

If you would like to learn about becoming a volunteer Big with BBBS Tampa Bay, click here.

Deloitte Scholarships to Fund STEM Students in Tampa

By In The News

Our National office recently announced the creation of the BBBSA Youth Equity and Empowerment Scholarship with support from the Deloitte Foundation. The scholarship program will provide young people with financial support for college and credentialing programs through the awarding of 60 scholarships that will total $350,000 nationally.

Littles with Big Brothers Big Sisters that are current high school seniors year will be eligible to receive scholarships through the program. The scholarships are for students with career interests in accounting, finance, economics, engineering, computer engineering, computer science, information systems, technology, data science, data analytics and math. Scholarships will be available to youth living or planning to attend school in 13 markets, including right here in Tampa, FL: Chicago, IL, Hartford, CT, Kansas City, MO, Milwaukee, WI, Minneapolis, MN, Nashville, TN, New York, NY, Omaha, NE, Parsippany, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Seattle, WA

“We are thrilled to be able to support an organization that continues to change lives through mentorship,” said Erin Scanlon, president, Deloitte Foundation. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of America uplifts communities and helps to empower youth so that they can aspire to fulfilling lives and careers.”

“We know when young people gain exposure and access to educational and career opportunities, it widens their view to the possibilities and potential ahead of them in life and career,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO, BBBSA. “With the support of organizations like the Deloitte Foundation, we continue to empower the next generation on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures.”

 

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About The Deloitte Foundation

The Deloitte Foundation, founded in 1928, is a not-for-profit organization that supports education in the U.S. through a variety of initiatives that help develop the next generation of diverse business leaders, and their influencers, and promote excellence in teaching, research and curriculum innovation. The Foundation sponsors an array of national programs relevant to a variety of professional services, benefiting high school students, undergraduates, graduate students and educators. Learn more about the Deloitte Foundation.

October Conversation Starters

By Resources

October is a time for sweaters, costumes, gourds and more! Remember, the first quarter of school ends in mid-October. Ask your Little how they feel like they are doing in school so far. What could they do to bring grades up next quarter?

-October 3rd is National Child Health Day-What does your Little do to stay healthy? Talk about things that your Little can do to be even more healthy.

-October 5th is National Do Something Nice Day-What is something nice that your Little has done for someone else lately? Write a card to someone just to let them know you appreciate them. Do an extra chore at home. Do something nice for your community.

-October 7th is World Smile Day! What makes you smile? Draw a picture of something that makes you smile. What do you to do make others smile?

-Oct 14th is World Egg Day. Do you like eggs? How do you like to eat them? They are healthy and full of protein. How many animals can you think of that lay eggs?

-Oct 14th is National Dessert Day! What is your favorite dessert? Ice cream, pie, cake, cookies? Do you know someone who loves to bake? Do you like to help? What is your favorite thing to bake? Design a cake or a new, crazy flavor of ice cream.

-October 17th is National Pasta Day! Spaghetti, Fettuccini, Ravioli, Macaroni. Do you like pasta? What is your favorite? Check out this link on the history of pasta!

-October 20th is National Youth Confidence Day-What is something your Little is really good at? Have them teach you all about it!

-October 25th is International Artist Day. What kind of Art do you like to do? Drawing, Painting, Making Jewelry, Music, Poetry? Who inspires you to make art? Who do you know that makes art? Do you have a favorite artist? Show your Little your art and ask them to share with you!

-Halloween is coming up! Is your Little participating? If so, how? Dressing up? Trick or Treating? Remind your Littles about Halloween safety (stay with a group or adult, check candy, food allergies, pumpkin carving etc.)

-Talk about your favorite candy! Invent your own candy bars. Draw a picture of the wrapper design.

-This is a spooky time of year with scary images and movies. What are some things that scare you? Spiders, snakes, ghosts, heights, the dark? Ask your Little if they are afraid of anything.

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