Mentors Needed: Helping Students Navigate the Back-to-School Transition
Back-to-School Isn’t Easy for Everyone
Transitioning from middle school to high school is an exciting time, full of change and new experiences. For many students, this transition is also full of difficulties.
Emotional and academic challenges can cause many students to struggle. More students fail ninth grade than any other grade in high school.
The middle to high school transition is both difficult and critical, and teenage students need support. Mentors are especially helpful in guiding students through difficult transitions. They’re a sounding board, academic tutor, and shoulder to lean on. As students go back to school, mentorship is key to success.
What Students Need at This Stage
Each student’s experience is unique, but there are common issues that many students face as they enter high school. Navigating a new school environment alone can be overwhelming, but it often comes with other transitions too.
Ninth grade is often a time when teens experience identity shifts and self-discovery. Increasing academic rigor and pressure to plan for the future can feel overwhelming. Additionally, moving schools can mean leaving friends behind, potentially growing apart, and navigating new social dynamics.
A relationship with someone who has experienced similar challenges benefits young people greatly. Mentors serve as an example of someone who experienced similar challenges and came out the other side. Whether they consciously realize it or not, teens benefit from seeing these examples in action. Just having someone to get away with on the weekends relieves stress from students and makes it easier for them to succeed in school.
Read more on supporting high school students' transition in the Department of Education’s issue brief.
Why Mentorship Matters During Transitions
Mentors can help students experiencing transition simply by being an empathetic ear and a consistent presence. Amidst so many transitions, students benefit from a caring adult whom they trust will support them. Mentors are cheerleaders teens can count on as they face social and academic challenges.
Little Brother Kord and his Big, Tory, are a great example of the power of mentorship as students experience transition. BBBSKY matched the pair in 2012, when Kord was only 8 years old. Since then, Tory has helped Kord grow his confidence and academic success. Today, Kord is working toward becoming an EMT.
Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers make a positive impact on students' success. Watch more stories like Kord and Tory’s, in their own words, on our mentor success stories page.
The Urgent Need for Mentors in Fall 2025
As students settle into the school routine this fall, almost 600 youth are waiting to be matched with a Big. Many of these students are experiencing academic transitions and the challenges that come with them. BBBSKY mentors are needed to support these students.
For students who are often underrepresented, role models who look like them are especially able to make a difference. Many of the students waiting for BBBSKY to match them with a Big are young Black boys. Black men have a particular ability to make a difference in their lives. Shared lived experience is a great basis for connection, and that’s only the beginning of the mentorship relationship.
This fall, BBBSKY is hosting multiple events for Bigs and Littles to spend time with each other and other mentorship pairs. See the full calendar and register on the BBBSKY events page.
How to Get Involved
Here’s some good news: the sign-up process to become a mentor is simple, and you already meet the requirements. You’ve experienced challenges and transitions, and can be a source of support for a kid experiencing similar situations. Take just five easy steps to begin your mentorship journey.
Submit your interest form. The first step is just a quick online application. Before you submit it, watch a quick introduction video so you know what to expect.
Volunteer interview. After your application, you’ll meet with a member of the BBBSKY team. At the interview, you’ll learn more about the program, and we’ll learn about your preferences and personality. This helps us make a great match.
Background check and references. Before making a match, we’ll chat with the references you provide us and perform a background check.
Ready to be matched! You’ll attend orientation and receive important training from BBBSKY staff to be the best mentor you can be.
Start mentoring. A Match Support Specialist will assist you from your first meeting and throughout your mentorship relationship.
Become the mentor Louisville and Southern Indiana Littles are waiting for. This school year, support a student by becoming a Big today.
Be the Person Who Shows Up
Supporting a student through the middle to high school transition has a long-term impact that lasts throughout their lifetime. All it takes to guide a teen through a difficult transition is to be there for them. They’ll remember your support and guidance for a long time.
There’s never been a better time to volunteer as a mentor. Support a student through a critical transition--become a mentor this school year.