Roxbury High School

Roxbuddies Celebrates 10 Years!! 

In 2014, Bigs and Littles began! Big Brothers Big Sisters, a non-profit organization, partnered with the Roxbury School district to start a mentorship program. 

It started with 15 Nixon Elementary students and 15 Roxbury High School students. They met twice a month for an hour and enjoyed conversation, games, and snacks. 

Within 5 years the Bigs and Littles program grew to 23 Nixon students and 23 Roxbury High School mentors. This is due to Big Brothers attending the high school club fair, and interviewing each big and little. Two Nixon teachers were the liaisons between Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Roxbury School District. 

In 2019, Big Brothers Big Sisters wanted to charge the school district $10,000 to continue running the program. The Nixon liaison wrote a proposal to have the club continue as a school district board-approved club, and it was approved. 

The Nixon Principal and liaison met on how the program would move forward. 

We started 2020 with a new name and structure, and we spent part of the year running the program virtually. 

In the 4 years since becoming Roxbuddies, the club has grown to have 87 active mentors {115 total on roster}, 43 buddies, and 2 club advisors. 

We have expanded the program not only in numbers but also in what we offer. Mentors are trained and given the tools to build a successful mentor relationship with their mentees. They actively engage their buddy in conversation, homework help, games, creative art projects, group games in the gym, and outdoor activities. 

We have participated each year in the high school club fair, hosted community events, received a budget to purchase supplies and host parties, been featured in both school yearbooks, conducted mentor training, celebrated senior mentors, and more!