“Bigs” Mentor “Littles” In a Community-Engaged Partnership [01/30/2008]

by Denise O'Brien

USF students enrolled in Robin Jones’ Fall ’07 Introduction to Urban Studies class joined forces with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay to mentor elementary students at Sulphur Springs Elementary School. On December 4, 2007, students shared their semester-long experience in front of an audience of over 50 attendees from various educational and community organizations as well as other University personnel.

Months ago, Robin Jones, one of USF’s early pioneers of service learning courses, received a phone call from Gail Crosby of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay (“BBBS”). Out of numerous discussions sprang the idea for each of the university students taking Jones’ Urban Studies class to actively participate as a Big Brother or Sister and mentor an elementary student from Sulphur Springs Elementary, historically one of the neediest neighborhoods in Tampa. The school faces several overwhelming demographic and economic challenges that likely contribute to their current “F-Rating” status¹. Out of an enrollment of 746 students, 171 or roughly 23% have learning disabilities; 34% are reading at or above expected levels, 33% are at or above their math levels, 8% are at or above their grade level in science, and approximately 86% are economically disadvantaged.

Sulphur Springs school officials were eager to work with BBBS and USF on this program, as it offered a unique opportunity for 40 of their students, ages K-5th grade, to be exposed to a special, one-on-one mentoring experience. The program created a win-win situation - students have an opportunity to enhance what they are learning about urban communities through their readings and lectures and gain some real world exposure - in many cases, vastly different from their own experience, while the children received personalized attention and mentoring. Said one student, “You learned that you really had to reach kids before you can teach them.” In other words, building a trusting relationship opened the door to faster learning for many of these younger students, who looked forward to their weekly visits with their Big Brothers or Big Sisters (or “Bigs”). USF students underwent all standard screening required by BBBS and the regular matching process. As the semester got underway, “Bigs” met with their “Littles” once a week.

While USF students noted the need for more consistency and stability in the lives of their Littles, they were also impressed with how much this small community took care of their own. Because the school district has no busing, children living within two miles of the school walk. The students know street names, where the churches and stores are, which neighbor lives in what house – and one student, with the help of her Big created a “Mental Map” of her community.

At the end of the presentation, Haven Felker, counselor at Sulphur Springs Elementary, stated how much this experience made such a positive impact on the younger students - yet she stressed the need for consistency in these kids’ lives. Felker then asked the tough question: “How many of you are truly committed to continuing your mentoring through the next semester?” Unhesitatingly, the hand of every USF student shot up in the air - a soundless yet solid affirmation of how deeply this service learning experience touched not only the lives of the Littles, but those of the Bigs as well.

¹ Information derived from 2006-2007 Florida School Grades Report Card, www.schoolgrades.fldoe.org.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Inc. has been a part of the community for more than 40 years, serving Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk Counties. In 2007, the agency matched 2,311 'Littles' with caring mentors and the goal for 2008 is to reach more than 2,500 children. It only takes a few hours a month to mentor a child, but the impact can lasts a lifetime. For more information on how to volunteer or to donate funds to reach more children in the community, contact Chathay Washington, 813.769.3617 or visit www.bbbsfl.org

About the USF Collaborative for Children, Families & Communities

The USF Collaborative is a recognized central point of contact, facilitator and matchmaker for new partnerships between University faculty and students, nationally known researchers, local government, service organizations and professionals to build a better Tampa Bay community. For more information about the Collaborative and its programs, visit http://www.usfcollab.usf.edu or contact the Collaborative director, Judi Jetson, at 813-974-7318, or Jetson@usfcollab.usf.edu.