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Big Futures

Big Futures Program Updates

Jul 15

Match Story: Justin & Alan

By Big Futures, Match Stories, School-to-Work

Little Justin and Big Alan met as a School-to-Work match at Nielsen in 2017, where Justin would visit his Big at his workplace to learn post-graduation and professional skills. Justin was interested in computers and technology, so he was a perfect fit to be matched at Nielsen because they use technology to gather information on audiences with media insights.

Alan was an excellent listener when Justin needed someone to talk to about his plans after high school and what was going on with his life. And Alan was excited to show Justin the ropes at his workplace. After graduating high school, Justin and Alan chose to enroll in Big Futures so that Big Brothers Big Sisters and Alan could continue to support Justin in his goal of attending college.

Justin was grateful to have Alan as a support system these past four years. Justin’s family fell on hard times and struggled both before and during the pandemic. Even when Justin had challenges enrolling into Hillsborough Community College (HCC) for a year, Alan was there for him throughout the process, and Justin was finally able to register!

Today Justin has completed his first year at HCC and made the Dean’s List studying Computer Science. He hopes he will get all As and Bs in his next semester and stay on the Dean’s List.

Defend the potential of youth in our community by supporting our one-to-one mentoring programs. Make a donation or volunteer as a mentor today!

Jun 25

BBBS Tampa Bay to Receive Funding from ECMC Foundation Employee-Directed Grant Program

By Big Futures, In The News

GO! Program to provide $1 million to organizations throughout the U.S.

 

As part of an annual program designed to give back to nonprofit organizations nominated by ECMC Group employees in the communities where they live and work, the company’s philanthropic arm, ECMC Foundation, will provide $1 million in grants to 101 nonprofits throughout the country. The grants aim to fill gaps created by the COVID-19 pandemic, address educational equity, and provide support to communities during this crucial time.

This year, ECMC Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay (BBBS) as part of the 2021 GO! Program (Generating Outcomes: Funding Innovation and Racial Equity in Education). In its seventh year, the program allows each employee under the Foundation’s parent company, ECMC Group, to nominate and vote for local nonprofits to receive grants that support the Foundation’s mission of improving educational outcomes among students from underserved backgrounds.

“The GO! Program is designed to engage all employees in thinking about the mission of ECMC Foundation and how it might be best achieved where they live and work,” said Peter Taylor, president of ECMC Foundation. “We believe in supporting creative and innovative education programs and solutions in employees’ local communities, and we look forward to seeing how these grants help organizations close educational equity gaps during this pivotal time in our nation.”

Grant dollars will fund the Big Futures program at BBBS of Tampa Bay, which serves Alumni Littles, or mentees, up to age 26 and their mentors with additional support and guidance in helping Littles make educational and career choices. The goal of the Big Futures program is that our Alumni Littles will be enrolled, employed, or enlisted after high school to earn a living wage by age 26. The Big Futures program focuses on goal setting and accountability, with resources that align with their goals, skill-building workshops, special events, and developing community relationships that result in unique education and career opportunities for mentees.

“Even as we begin the long road to recovery from the pandemic, nonprofit organizations continue to support our communities, despite experiencing challenges themselves,” said Jeremy Wheaton, president and CEO of ECMC Group. “We are honored that ECMC Foundation continues to contribute in our communities to support the organizations that move the needle on education equity and to serve under-resourced populations of learners.”

 

Aug 11
Big Futures

Delaney’s Chance at a Big Future

By Big Futures

My name is Delaney and my Big and I have been actively involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay for over six years. I have just recently graduated from Boca Ciega High School on the day of my 18th birthday and only two weeks later, I am now living on a massive campus at Florida International University for the Summer term. My experience here on campus has been absolutely mind-blowing and it has only been a week, however, I have recently found myself to be going through some late notice financial hardships. If I fail to pay the remaining balance, I will be dropped from my classes and unenrolled at FIU. This situation has been extremely challenging and I have been doing everything in my power to remedy the situation. The payment is due with the next few days but I am strong-minded and determined to fulfill my potential here at FIU, because I am not going anywhere but to class.

When I found out this very distressing news, I reached out to Big Futures. Big Futures reached out to FIU Leadership on my behalf. They were quick to respond and we received the news:

“We are working with Financial Aid and Student Affairs to assist Delaney. Please note that her enrollment is not at risk of being canceled.”

As you can imagine, I was overjoyed and very thankful! This feeling could never be put into words. The power of two minds toward one goal is truly invincible. Thank you so much for your dedication to help students, such as myself. Your passion for what you do is inspiring and I hope to keep in close contact with you as I enroll in the Big Futures program. I thank you a billion times for myself and two billion for everyone in the future, to Big Futures!

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