BIG FUTURES is more than just one program:
It's a movement.
BIG FUTURES is the next evolution of youth mentorship in Ventura County: we're lining up our successful mentoring programs into clear pathways to campus, career, and community successes! And these programs are now accessible to support TAY (transitional age youth) ages 18-25!
Through Big Futures, BBSVC combines it's high-impact programs into pathways that...
1.) explore opportunities in your choice of CAMPUS, CAREER & COMMUNITY
2.) develop professional and interpersonal skills vital for success, thrivance, and independence after high school
3.) build a positive "live-learn-work-play-rest" balance for your mental health
Mentorship doesn't end after High School...Big Futures supports youth from freshman year, through graduation, and beyond.
From hands-on career experiences to college prep support to empowering your community, Big Futures is designed to inspire confidence, expand opportunities, and open doors to what YOU want to make possible.
PATHWAYS: EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES
Campus Pathway
How to Earn Your Certificate Stamp:
To qualify, youth must participate in both of the following programs for a full calendar year (June 1 – May 30):
High School Mentors
A site-based mentoring program that pairs high school students ("HS Bigs") with elementary school Littles" for weekly meetings. The focus is on play, social-emotional skill-building, literacy, and giving high school mentors a chance to step into the position of role models and active community members.
Big Futures Fellowship
Semi-facilitated, small peer groups meet once a monthly at participating campuses. This program focuses on building a community of support and shared goals, as well as providing feedback to your campus that encourages its growth!
Big University
Meet with a high school mentee twice monthly over breakfast on campus. These sessions provide an inside look at college life, diverse career opportunities, and deep dives into specific academic majors. When you take the time to mentor a younger Little, you'll create a cycle of role modeling that strengthens both mentor and mentee alike!
Career Pathway
How to Earn Your Certificate Stamp:
To qualify, youth participate in at least one of the following BBSVC mentoring programs for the full year (June 1 - May 30):
Mentor Academy
An opportunity for high school Littles to learn practical life, career, and "soft" skills that help young people transition successfully into young adulthood; students are matched one-to-one with a mentor who can help them explore professional fields and opportunities. Weekly zoom meetups are available with special topics and speakers, giving participants an ongoing digital library of resources all year!
Mentor Academy +Plus
Existing Mentor Academy mentees will have the opportunity to continue with their existing mentor; new mentees can match with a mentor who has relevant experience around their major or career of interest to build valuable skills through both digital and onsite meetups.
The internship program kicks off with a 4-part training on workplace-critical practical skills, led by BBSVC Leadership. Mentees gain real-world experience through internships, scholarships, and job placements that prepare the next generation of skilled professionals. BBSVC case managers help interns identify a schedule and role that are good fits.
Community Pathway
How to Earn Your Certificate Stamp:
To qualify, youth participate in both of the following BBSVC mentoring programs for the full year (June 1 - May 30):
Youth Leadership Council & Executive Youth Leadership Council (eYLC)
A small-group mentoring leadership program where a regional cohort of youth collaborate to identify issues affecting their communities and design youth-led projects to create local impact. eYLC is an advanced program for selected members of the regional YLC cohorts, receiving deeper training in leadership skills (i.e. budgeting, motivational communication, active listening, etc) to strengthen their abilities to lead projects and initiatives.
Big Ambassadors
This advocacy group bridges the gap
between BBSVC and the local community, empowering alumni and current participants to act as the official "voice" of the agency. They drive communications, collaborative skill-building, and a feedback loop that supports agency evolution.Big For a Day
From short-term workshops to classroom experiences, this program equips young people with practical knowledge to navigate the transition into an active community leader. Explore structured shadowing opportunities with some of our area's cross-sector leaders, tap into new resources, and learn how we all share a common goal of building community!
Participation in Big Futures also unlocks...
Expert Guidance: Learn directly from those who have navigated campus and career systems, and build a network of expertise that can last a lifetime...wherever your journey may take you!
Peer Support: Build lasting friendships with other youth in your pathway.
Official Recognition: Receive a BBSVC graduation cord and certificate that demonstrates commitment and professional readiness.
Unlocked Perks: In addition to fun activities and events, Big Futures participants will be eligible to apply for the Kobe Lizarraga Youth Leadership Award, which comes with a $1500 stipend paid towards your campus, apprenticeship, or professional program of choice.
YOUR TOOLKIT FOR BIG FUTURES IS RIGHT HERE:
The pathways you explore lead to the goals you set!
Big Futures offers helpful tools, dates to remember, updates, an ongoing checklist, and more to support you in your individual goal-setting all year long...come back to this page if you ever need to find these materials!
Questions? Ideas? Support?
Contact our Mentoring Programs Team!
[email protected] | 805.484.2282
Standing Together for
a Big Future
Contact Us
Big Brothers Big Sisters
of Ventura County
2435 Ventura Blvd, Ste. A, Camarillo, CA 93010
2435 Ventura Blvd, Ste. A, Camarillo,
CA 93010
Federal Tax ID 20-3425568
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