For many teens, the question of “what’s next?” after high school can feel overwhelming. The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay’s School-to-Work program helps turn that uncertainty into opportunity by connecting local students with mentors and real-world experiences that inspire them to dream bigger and prepare for their futures.
Learning by Doing
Through partnerships with local school districts and corporate and community partners, School-to-Work gives high school students (Littles) a chance to step into professional workplaces once a month, meet caring mentors (Bigs), and explore career paths they may never have considered. Together, they spend time building workplace skills, learning about different industries, and talking about goals while developing lasting relationships that encourage Littles to stay in school and plan for life beyond graduation.
A Hospital Partnership That’s Making Headlines
One of the newest and most inspiring partnerships launched this year is with Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg, where 25 students have been paired with hospital staff members. For these teens, each visit offers a first-hand look at how a hospital operates, from the emergency department to labs and clinical care.
Among them are Carly Gerdes, a sepsis clinical coordinator, and her Little, 16-year-old Dorine Banyeretse. The two have been meeting monthly since last spring, and their bond has quickly grown beyond the walls of the hospital.
“It’s a nice experience,” Dorine told Bay News 9. “Overall, you get to make new friends, and meeting your Big is just a wonderful connection to have.”
Dorine dreams of becoming a neurologist, and Carly has made it her mission to help her explore that path, making sure Dorine gets to observe stroke alerts and understand the many ways neurologists interact with emergency and intensive care teams.
“It can help them decide what path they might want to take,” Carly said. “Even though I work in sepsis and the ER, I’m showing her all different sides of the hospital so she can see what fits her.”
Their story is one of hundreds happening across Tampa Bay. Together, they represent what School-to-Work is all about: exposure, encouragement, and empowerment through mentorship.
From Hospitals to Hockey Arenas
Beyond healthcare, the program is also expanding into new industries that excite and inspire students. This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters proudly launched a new partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning, offering high schoolers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s most dynamic sports organizations.
From community outreach and event operations to marketing and business management, Lightning staff are showing students that the world of sports extends far beyond the rink. These experiences help Littles see that their interests, whether in healthcare, business, or athletics, can lead to fulfilling careers right here in Tampa Bay.
Creating a Stronger Future Together
The impact of School-to-Work reaches far beyond the classroom. For students, it builds confidence and career readiness. For mentors and employers, it fosters connection, purpose, and pride in giving back to the community.
“Programs like this remind students that they’re not alone,” said Laura Petitt, Program Director for School to Work. “It’s about helping them navigate that transition from high school to life after and making sure they have a plan in place to be successful.”
With more than 400 students currently participating across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, and Pasco counties, the program continues to grow, powered by the belief that mentorship changes everything.
Learn more about how your organization can become a School to Work partner: https://bbbstampabay.org/programs/school-to-work/
Chyanne Eaton, double majoring in Biomedical Science and Spanish at USF, is Co-President and Founder of Bulls for Brighter Futures. Chyanne felt that her time in the School-to-Work program as a Little was invaluable. As a high school student who planned to attend college, the School-to-Work program provided Chyanne with essential life skills. For instance, she learned how to navigate the college admissions process, establish and use credit, and combat implicit bias. Having a Big gave her someone to go to for advice or reassurance.
Nidhi Bangalore, double majoring in Biomedical Science and Psychology at USF, is the VP of Menteeship for Bulls for Brighter Futures. Connecting with her Big through the School-to-Work program helped her focus on her education while building interpersonal skills. She looks to her Big as a friend and teacher who truly has an impact on her life. She saw herself grow as a person during the two years she spent in the School-to-Work program. “Seeing how someone’s guidance and friendship can help another, I hoped to foster that same bond with the new mentors and mentees in our program,” Nidhi explained.
Littles from our school partners — Northeast High, Clearwater High, and Leto High — met with their Bigs at USAmeriBank, St. Pete-Clearwater Airport, and Nielsen for their final visits of the school year to celebrate their growth and success in our School-to-Work program. At each graduation ceremony, keynote speakers such as the Mayor of Oldsmar, Doug Bevis, and Pinellas County Administrator, Mark S. Woodard, were invited to talk to the Littles about their futures, inspiring the students with words of wisdom and well-wishes. At each graduation, two graduating seniors were awarded scholarships based on essays they had written about their futures and how the School-to-Work program has positively impacted their lives.
