BC BIGS

Service

BC BIGS offers BC students the opportunity to serve as mentors to youth, ages 8-16, in Boston. It's a great way to become immersed in the Boston community, make a difference in a young person’s life, and meet other BC students who share similar passions.

Before you apply, please ensure you review the following requirements:

In addition to meeting with your Little Brother or Sister (see details of the program-specific time commitments below), all BC BIGS must meet with their small, peer-led reflection group every other week for 1 hour for the entirety of their time in the program. No exceptions!
All BIGS must attend the orientation the semester they are matched as well as semesterly trainings and events
There is a minimum 3 semester commitment (therefore we cannot accept rising seniors). You may study abroad if you are still able to complete three semesters.
All BIGS must communicate regularly with their Big Brothers Big Sisters Match Support Specialist, as well as BC BIGS staff and leadership

BC BIGS proudly partners with families and volunteers from all backgrounds, races and beliefs. We expect all members of our mentoring community to bring their whole selves into their mentoring relationships. Racism, in all its forms, is a threat to genuine connection and trust. So, as a program and community, we commit to examining antiracism at all levels. While we don’t expect our volunteers and families to be experts on antiracism, we ask that they approach our program with an open mind and willingness to learn as we strive toward dismantling individual, institutional and societal racism.

We commit to:

Actively reflect on our individual experiences and identities by creating spaces to critically discuss race and antiracism.
Actively understanding our belonging to group identities, which includes but is not limited to the challenges, privileges, histories, and inequities experienced and/or perpetuated as part of our belonging to these groups.
Actively center the voices, experiences, and leadership of BIPOC students, youth, families, and adults.

We will fulfill these commitments by:

Required training for staff, leaders and Bigs.
Facilitating dialogue and everyday conversations about race in mandatory reflection groups.
Improving representation of BIPOC in Bigs, leaders, staff, and speakers.
Implement white antiracism group for Bigs to engage in the personal and collective work of antiracism.
Continue the work of the Bigs of Color group as a space and support to the unique experiences within the program.
Utilize existing resources on campus, such as FACES, and bring to campus new resources such as BBBSEM antiracism work, to support BC Bigs in their reflection and action.

Apply Here

Thank you for your interest in joining BC BIGS! Your application will be sent to our partners at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts. You can expect to hear from them in 7-10 days. If you do not hear from them or have questions about your application, please email bcbigs@bc.edu. There is a 3 semester commitment at the minimum, please only apply if you plan to graduate in 2026 or later. Please be sure you have reviewed all program requirements before applying.

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Program Details

We partner with communities in Dorchester and Mattapan for this campus-based mentoring program, where Little Brothers and Sisters are transported to campus on alternate Saturdays throughout the year. In Dorchester, we partner with Franklin Field Housing Development and in Mattapan, we partner with the Mildred Ave Community Center. During the academic year there are approximately 15 structured events lasting about 3-4 hours. Bigs and Littles share in the fun large-group programming, and then have one-on-one time each week as well.

Please note: The BC BIGS Franklin Field and Mattapan Programs involve a larger time commitment than the other BC BIGS Programs.

These are school-day mentoring programs where Big Brothers and Big Sisters meet their Little Brothers or Little Sisters on a weekly basis at a local Boston school for lunch/recess or the after-school program. Bigs and Littles spend time together, eat lunch, play sports and board games, do arts and crafts, or simply sit and talk. The commitment is one hour per week with your Little, plus any travel time.

“Families” are what we call our small reflection groups facilitated by the student leaders. The family groups are safe spaces that provide support, help to build community, and allow BIGS the opportunity to reflect on their service experience.

Family groups:

Are a mandatory component of the BC BIGS program and attendance is enforced
Meet for 1 hour every other week
Are run in the spirit of the Jesuit Tradition of Boston College. We believe that reflection is an essential component of service and helps to deepen learning.
Are a great way to get to meet others on campus
Discuss issues of social justice while providing a space to ask questions about mentorship

Students who participate as mentors in BC BIGS will be able to:

Articulate at least one area of personal development that reflects a growing empathy for others.
Provide evidence of the impact of the mentoring relationship on the Little.
Share an expanded understanding of a social issue relevant to their Little.