On Monday, May 22, President Kloos, Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN signed an agreement to introduce high school students to college and provide professional adult mentors throughout the year.
The Dr. Potter Bigs on Campus Mentoring Initiative is piloting between SCTCC and Sauk Rapids-Rice School District for one school year, after which they will assess the program to determine if it’s successful and should continue. The initiative was spearheaded by former president at St. Cloud State University president Dr. Potter, who wanted to cultivate relationships between local college campuses and high schools. The program has been in place at St. Cloud State for seven years, and SCTCC is continuing the legacy of Dr. Potter and the partnership between the St. Cloud colleges and high schools.
“The collaboration between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MN, Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, and St. Cloud Technical & Community College provides an outstanding opportunity to enrich the lives of littles while enhancing and strengthening collaborative community relationships in the St. Cloud region,” said President Kloos. “I am excited about this partnership and look forward to seeing the positive impact of relationships developed and lives enriched through this program.”
SCTCC’s point person is Susan Jordahl, Director of K-12 Initiatives, who will work with Big Brothers Big Sisters to implement the program. SCTCC faculty, staff, alumni, and emerti are all welcome to commit to being a Big, which involves meeting their Little twice a month at SCTCC. One-on-one meetings take place during the school day and help the Littles find their potential and build their futures. A Big provides a mentoring relationship and provides a safe space with emotional support that the Little may not have. The relationship also builds social skills, helps the Littles set goals, improves self-confidence, and can help with academic achievement.
If you are interested in being a Big, please contact Susan Jordahl for more information at susan.jordahl@sctcc.edu.