Mentoring Towards College

Mentoring Towards College (MTC) is a comprehensive curriculum with a dual mission: to support academic success in each grade level AND to ensure on-time graduation and college matriculation.

In this program, the Mentor uses the MTC curriculum to provide direction and guidance while the Little is actually responsible for completing the objectives which include workshops, discussions and programs.  All MTC activities work toward the goal of academic success in high school and college preparation.

Mentoring Towards College is an opt-in program available for established Matches.  The Little may enter the program in the 7th or 8th grade depending on the Match type (either School Based or Community Based).   Once in the program, the Big, Little and Parent / Guardian must all agree to actively participate by signing the Mentoring Towards College Commitment Form.  Littles who complete the program may be eligible for a college scholarship and other incentives. 

Mentoring Towards College 

The MTC Curriculum is divided over the 5 years of the 8th – 12th grades. It is delivered through a combination of activity guides, workshops and seminars.  Each Match completes the appropriate year’s activities individually, but all track their progress in the MTC Journal.  The MTC Workshops are scheduled once per year.  Examples of those workshops in grades 8 – 10 are:

8th Grade

  • MTC 801 – Career Choices

  • MTC 802 – Taking More Responsibility

  • MTC 803 – FOCUS: Self-Branding

9th Grade 

  • MTC 901 – Building High School Success

  • MTC 902 – Financial Literacy for High School and Beyond

  • MTC 903 – Moving a Little Higher

10th Grade 

  • MTC 1001 – College Fair Day

  • MTC 1002 – Post-Secondary Choices

  • MTC 1003 – How to Save and Pay for College   

Ultimately, MTC is a highly directive and specialized mentoring curriculum designed to encourage students to strive for academic success while providing the cultural, educational and social skills to apply to, attend and succeed in college.

Mentoring Towards College Primary

Littles who are in grades 4 – 8 and in the School Based Program or in grades 4 – 7 and in the Community Based Program can participate in the Mentoring Towards College Primary program.  In MTC Primary, Bigs work with their Littles to begin laying the groundwork for success in high school.  Matches participate in activities to develop trust, increase self confidence, and encourage a strong interest in academic achievement, including on-grade literacy and numeracy.  Both programs combine the MTC Primary and Empowering Youth curriculums to teach successful Personal, Emotional, Academic, and Leadership development which will prime the Little for MTC.

For Littles in the School Based Program

Those Matches in the School Based Program complete the MTC Primary curriculum during the 4th – 8th grades.  Once the Little enters the 9th grade, he may be transitioned to the MTC program for high school students. 

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta creates a mentoring partnership between an Atlanta company and local school. 
  • Each employee-volunteer (Big) is matched with a child in grades 4 – 8 (Little).
  • The Big is given an hour a week to meet with their Little at his/her school.
  • Matches review homework assignments, read together, discuss school and life situations, develop trust and confidence in one another, solidify their relationship and also have fun by watching movies or playing games.
  • Bigs are given access to the Little’s academic performance at school with parental permission.
  • The Little’s teacher or guidance counselor is involved.  
  • Bigs use both MTC Primary and Empowering Youth curriculums to guide the Little toward the MTC curriculum used in high school.

In addition to the weekly mentoring sessions at the school, Littles are exposed to group activities such as job shadowing and career day activities on the company’s site.

For Littles in the Community Based Program

Littles who are not matched through the School Based Program are paired with a Big through the Community Based Program.  In the Community Based Program, Littles may be transitioned from MTC Primary to MTC after the 7th grade.

  • Bigs meet their Little at any convenient time -- either at the school or in the community.
  • Matches go on outings to sporting events, plays, museums, concerts, parks, etc.
  • Bigs use both MTC Primary and Empowering Youth curriculums to guide the Little toward the MTC curriculum used in high school.
  • By having a caring, adult friend, Littles learn the confidence, life skills, and leadership ability needed to succeed in school. 

 

To learn more about Mentoring Towards College contact:

Patrick Outz / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / 404-601-7140