Mentoring

Mentoring Programs

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, we believe every young person deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported. That’s where mentorship comes in. We offer a range of mentoring programs designed to meet young people in the community and in schools.

Each program is thoughtfully designed to provide consistent, low-barrier support that fits naturally into a child’s life, and into a mentor’s too.
We take care of matching, training, and ongoing support so both mentors and mentees can focus on what matters most: building trust and having fun.

Explore our programs below to find the right fit for you or someone you care about.

Community Mentoring

Mentoring in the community is our flagship program, which facilitates a natural supportive relationship between a child or youth ages 6-24 and a caring adult mentor.

community mentoring

In-School Mentoring

In-school mentorship is structured and predictable while also bridging generation gaps. Elementary-aged children are matched with teenage, adult, and senior mentors on school grounds.

in-school mentoring

Developmental Relationships

Our programs create meaningful, one-to-one connections between young people and caring mentors; connections that help ignite potential, build confidence, and create a sense of belonging. Whether it’s sharing a laugh over lunch, getting help with homework, or simply having someone who shows up, mentoring relationships can be life-changing.

What makes these connections so powerful? It’s something called a Developmental Relationship.

A Developmental Relationship is more than just a friendship or supportive presence, it’s an intentional, research-based approach to building trust and promoting growth. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, this framework guides everything we do. It helps mentors show up in ways that truly make a difference.

Developmental Relationships are built on five key elements:

Expressing care

Showing a young person that they matter by being dependable, warm, and encouraging.

Challenging growth

Helping youth stretch toward their potential by holding high expectations and pushing them to keep trying.

Providing support

Guiding young people through obstacles, helping them complete tasks, and cheering them on along the way.

Sharing power

Respecting a young person's voice, involving them in decisions, and collaborating in ways that empower.

Expanding possibilities

Opening doors to new experiences, ideas, and connections that spark curiosity and confidence.

When mentors build relationships with these elements in mind, young people are more likely to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. They become more resilient, more engaged in school and community life, and more confident in who they are and what they can become.

At BBBS Calgary, Developmental Relationships are the heartbeat of our work. Every match is supported and trained with this framework, ensuring that each mentoring connection is not just positive but truly transformational.

_{Search Institute created the Developmental Relationships Framework, five elements—expressed in 20 specific actions— that are proven to catalyze young people’s lives: express care, challenge growth, provide support, expand possibilities, and share power.}

Where We Serve

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area supports children, youth, and families across Calgary and the surrounding communities.

Our mentoring programs take place both in schools and out in the community—wherever trusted, caring relationships can grow. Whether it’s a weekly hangout after school or a meaningful connection during the school day, our matches are building confidence, connection, and resilience across the region.

See where mentorship is making a difference.

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