Greater Wyoming Big Brothers Big Sisters operates 4 21CCLC centers (3 elementary and one middle school) in Laramie and one elementary program in Saratoga. Four site coordinators support 30 part-time staff and 5 part-time AmeriCorps Members working together to serve 180-200 youth each day.
EducationCorps.
BBBS works closely with the University of Wyoming to coordinate the EducationCorps program in the Laramie centers. EducationCorps, an AmeriCorps program, consists of 20 undergraduate UW student volunteers majoring in elementary education, engineering, science, art, etc. EducationCorps members work with an experienced graduate student and UW employees to develop activities, lessons, and content primarily geared toward STEM. Members visit each center once or twice each week to implement the planned activities. They also meet on campus in small groups at least weekly to develop their instructional skills and strengthen quality of their work.
Mentoring.
BBBS recruits, trains, and supports volunteer mentors who work in the centers with students and families who need and want a Big Brother or Sister for their child. With an emphasis on building a strong supportive relationship with a single child, the Bigs enhance the after-school program by providing individual support, advocacy, and connections to the classroom and community. The volunteers are coached and supported by professional case managers to ensure strong youth outcomes and successful mentoring relationships.
Community Partnerships.
BBBS works closely with the juvenile justice system, county attorney, youth officers, and Department of Family Services to prevent delinquencies and support the community's most vulnerable youth. BBBS partners with Wyoming Kids First, the county library, pre-schools, community stakeholders, and local faith-based organizations to host regular family-engagement and literacy events known as Dine & Discover. During the events, BBBS after-school staff engage with the families, lead and model healthy conversations, and discuss student goals and accomplishments. Families hear from "celebrity speakers", play table games together, select and take home age-appropriate books for youth and adults, and have opportunities to receive other resources for their families, including food, clothing, gift-cards, and other donated items.
