Bismarck-Mandan Mentor Squad

Bis-Man Mentor Squad, formerly known as Big Brothers Big Sisters, is a mentoring program helping children in the Bismarck-Mandan area. Mentor Squad connects youth ages 6—16 with adult volunteers to create a positive relationship, providing beneficial experiences that will last a lifetime. We are the same program, just a different name.

Children in the program are:

• 52% less likely to skip school and 37% less likely to skip class. The youth earned slightly higher grades and felt better about how they were doing in school
• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs and 27% less likely to start drinking alcohol
• 33 % less likely to hit someone
• More trusting of their parents or guardians, less likely to lie to them, and felt more supported and less criticized by their peers and friends

We have 2 different programs:

In our community-based program the volunteer must be 18 yrs of age, be a resident of Bismarck-Mandan for at least 3 months, must have reliable, available transportation and be able to commit to spending regular time with a child for at least one year. The volunteer picks the child up from their home and participates in activities out in the community for a minimum of 4 hours a month.

Our site-based program is held at different Bismarck public school locations. The volunteer must be at least 15 years of age, be a resident of Bismarck-Mandan for at least 3 months and must be able to commit to mentoring a child for a school year. One hour a week between the hours of 3-5:30 p.m. weekdays.

Bismarck-Mandan Mentor Squad helps children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships with caring adults. We assist children in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become confident, competent and caring individuals; by providing committed volunteers, leadership and standards of excellence.