Big Brothers Big Sisters starts new program for mentees that age out

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Big Brothers Big Sisters is going beyond the traditional adult and youth mentor with a new program for mentees after they age out.

“We saw this high need of young adults essentially from age 18 to 25,” Director of Marketing Tina Santos said. “Thinking, ‘What am I doing now?’ and still needing some support. So we said we wanted to step in.”

The new pilot program, called Real Skills for Young Adults, works with young adults after they graduate high school and decide what’s next.

“This program works on career readiness, resume building, interviews, what are some common questions, applying for colleges, all these things,” Santos said. But it’s very individualized.”

Tollgate High School senior Vivaan, who was matched with a mentor eight years ago, said he is prepared and excited for the new program.

“I’ve been filling out a lot of scholarships just to get some money so I can have a computer and stuff like that,” he said. “I used to be really shy, and I didn’t really know what to do with my life or anything like that, and my parents saw this program and they signed me up for it and I met Maureen.”

More information on programs from BBBS can be found here.