This program serves Littles up to age 26 and their Bigs with additional support and guidance in helping Littles make educational and career decisions. Our goal is that Big Futures Littles are enrolled, employed, or enlisted after high school graduation so they may earn a living wage by age 26.

We defend potential in a few practical ways:

• Goal setting and accountability for Littles from Big Futures Staff
• Directing matches to resources that align with set goals (scholarships, internships, jobs, etc.)
• Workshops and special events for matches (Workshops are also open to matches with 11th and 12th grade Littles as well.)
• Developing Community Relationships that result in unique education and career opportunities for Mentees.

CURRENT Community-Based, Site-Based, or School-to-Work matches where the Little has:

• graduated high school,
• will graduate high school in Spring of the current school year (even if graduating early), or
• is 18 years of age or older and has discontinued high school.

We would prefer that Littles receiving services remain in their match. However, if a Big no longer wishes to remain matched after a Little graduates from high school but that Little would like to receive Big Future Services, we will evaluate that on a case-by-case basis. Please talk with your Match Support Specialist for more information.

Matches need to choose if they would like to be in Big Futures. Enrollment happens in a Few steps:

1. Receive an enrollment packet either from your Match Support Specialist, School-to-Work Coordinator, or Big Futures Staff. You can email SandyT@bbbstampabay.org to request an enrollment packet electronically.
2. When scheduled, Matches may virtually attend a live Big Futures Info session.
   1. PLEASE NOTE: This meeting is optional, and matches do not need to attend an info session to enroll in Big Futures.
3. Complete enrollment packet and return to Big Future Staff. Electronic and hard copy packets are available.
   1. Mentees: Complete the Mentee Application, Mentee Expectations, and your portion of the Match Agreement
   2. Mentors: Complete the Mentor Expectations and your portion of the match agreement
   3. Mail completed hard copies to BBBS Tampa Bay ATTN Sandy Traynor, 5555 West Waters Ave, Suite 607, Tampa, FL 33634. You may also scan and email physical copies to SandyT@bbbstampabay.org, or complete the forms via the links emailed.
4. Once the application and Big Futures Match agreement are received from Big and Little, Little is scheduled for an in-person/virtual strategy session with Big Futures Staff where goals are set for your next chapter with BBBS!

After all paperwork is received and Little meets with Big Futures Staff, your match will be transferred into Big Futures! Your Big Futures Specialist will be your new main point of contact with BBBS!

• Your match “check-ins” with BBBS will remain quarterly as they have been; however, there are other engagement requirements.
• Your check-ins with your Big Future Specialist can be either in person, on the phone, or virtual.
• As Littles are legal adults, parents are not required for Match support but are encouraged to continue to participate in supporting their (adult) child in the program.

No, not at this time.

There is no set hourly requirement, but we would like to see matches in contact with each other at least monthly (via any means) and attending at least one workshop per semester. Workshops happen about every other month and are currently held virtually.

Yes, there are safety guidelines. While overnight travel is allowed, Match should inform your Big Futures Specialist about plans beforehand. Safety guidelines include matches not living together, and Bigs not paying for the Littles’ bills, housing costs, or tuition. BBBSTB reserves the right to close any match that it deems is operating outside of BBBSTB’s general expectations of a match or our standards of practice.

Yes, a Big can have 2 Littles but would need to be re-assessed for a new match and the new match would have a different Match Support Specialist.

No. There will be an annual review/evaluation of goals and needs. You as a match and your Big Futures Specialist will decide if you would remain enrolled each year.

Please introduce us! Email them and copy Sandy Traynor, SandyT@bbbstampabay.org, and I am happy to set up a time to see them and discuss. We have some information designed specifically for potential partners, so send them our way!

Contact Sandy Traynor, School-To-Work and Big Futures Director, at 813.389.2783 or SandyT@bbbstampabay.org