Traditionally known as Big Brothers Big Sisters, our mentoring programs have grown in their diversity over the years. We’ll match your child with a Big Brother or Big Sister who will spend time with them out in the community. The focus is on positive role modelling.

Kids Served: Kids between age 6 and 17.
Location: Edmonton, Strathcona County, Parkland County, Lac La Biche, Morinville, and St. Albert
Cost: FREE!
Enrollment Process:

1. Application Form: Click here to submit your online application form.
2. In-Person Interview and Training: We’ll contact you to set up an in-person interview where we’ll get to know the child so we can match them to the best volunteer. The interview typically takes 2 hours. We will also complete the Training with you and your child in the same appointment. We go over important concepts like boundaries and healthy relationships to make sure they’re starting their match off right.
3. Matching: This is when we find your child a volunteer who is going to be a good fit. When we meet for your interview, we will discuss timelines and factors in finding a match for your child

If you would prefer to submit a paper application please contact Alexis Forbes.

BGCBigs operates 9 registered Community Clubs that are safe and fun places for kids to go after school and during the summer. They provide kids with opportunities to connect with positive role models and peers, enjoy a healthy meal, and explore our core program areas: arts and culture, physical activity, health and nutrition, academic support, personal growth, empowerment, life skills, and leadership.

Kids Served: Children and youth between age 6 and 13 are welcome at our Clubs.
Cost: FREE!
Enrollment: Please fill in the form at the top of this page.

Location: In Edmonton (Africa Centre | Duggan Club | Kinsmen Club | McCauley Club | Rundle Club | Sakaw Club | Steinhauer Club | Tweddle Club | West Club | Bannerman)

See the map here all of our Club locations to find the one nearest you.

Overview: Are you an individual who has enjoyed connecting with people over the phone, online and through video chats? We are excited to share with you our new Virtual Tutoring program. Youth will be between the grades of 4-12. Mentors are asked to connect on line for 45-60 minutes once a week with their mentee for the current school year. Through virtual tutoring, children and youth receive academic support related to math, science, literacy and any other related subject.

Over time, this helps children and youth meaningfully improve their academic skills and become more confident in these abilities.

Spend time with a mentee supporting their academic success.

Mentees: Anyone between the grades of 4-12. Mentees will log on virtually either from home or their school.

Mentors: Anyone over the age of 16

Minimum Commitment: 45-60 minutes each week during the school term.

Availability: Edmonton, Strathcona County, Parkland County, Lac La Biche, Morinville, and St. Albert

Where: Virtually through Zoom, or Google meets, or other agreed virtual platform.

Overview: Virtual 1:1 Employment & Job Readiness Mentoring program. Youth are 14 years of age or older, and are matched to a mentor for about 4 months (4 months is the recommended minimum time frame, but should the match want to continue past the 4 month mark an option for this extension can be provided). The match meets virtually every week or every other week as set by both the youth and the mentor. The focus of the program is employment and job-readiness, including activities such as resume building, confidence and soft skill development, interview prep, work experience, etc. Our Youth Employment Coordinator is there to provide support and assistance and can help provide resources and opportunities to meet the youth’s goals

Mentees: Youth ages 14 or older

Availability: Edmonton, Strathcona, Parkland County, Morinville, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain.

Where: Virtually through Zoom, Google meets, or other agreed virtual platform.

Overview: is an inclusive youth mentoring program designed to give young people the confidence to achieve more. The Youth in Care Program pairs youth with positive, understanding adults who encourage them to find strength from within. Founded on the belief that people are empowered through consistent and supportive relationships, this program is focused on young people who have had involvement with Children Services and could be living in alternate arrangements such as Foster Homes, Group Homes or Kinship placements. There are two options for volunteers: 1) one-to-one, and 2) group.

ONE TO ONE
Mentees: Between 6 and 24 years old who are/were involved with Child & Family Services

Mentors: Anyone over 18 who is sensitive other cultures, backgrounds, life circumstances, anyone who feels they can relate to a youth who identifies with some of the above.

Minimum Commitment: On average 3 hours every week or every second week

Availability: Edmonton

Where & When: In the community, evenings and/or weekends

GROUP
Mentees: Between 10 and 17 years old who are/were involved with Child & Family Services

Mentors: Anyone over 24 who is sensitive other cultures, backgrounds, life circumstances, anyone who feels they can relate to a youth who identifies with some of the above.

Minimum Commitment: 2 hours per week for a minimum of one year

Availability: Edmonton

Where & When: Group takes place at our McCauley Club on the same day each week