Big Brothers Big Sisters

Written by Dr. Jerry Stein

Learning Dreams, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, are excited to announce a new partnership.

The partnership focuses on implementing a Learning Dreams model within Big Brothers Big Sisters in order to talk about goals and aspirations, connect participants to dream opportunities which interest them, and enhance the Big/Little mentoring relationship. For this pilot project the Littles will also be children who are currently in the child welfare system.

The partnership between BBBS and LD is a natural fit since both organizations value one-on-one relationships, educational success, and increased access to learning resources and activities.

By talking to Littles about their dreams, Bigs and Littles will be able to start thinking about new and imaginative ways to work together on achieving these goals and aspirations. Learning Dreams staff will explain how to use community resources and opportunities to engage Littles in the kinds of activities, workshops, job-shadowing, and classes that Littles are specifically interested in. Learning Dreams will appoint a staff person to give BBBS support throughout process.

A special training will be offered February 15th, 2011 on the University of Minnesota campus for BBBS to learn about the Learning Dreams model.

This activity will also provide an adventure on the U of M campus for Littles. Littles will be able to explore the college, participate in fun activities, and meet some of the Learning Dreams staff.

This new collaboration will give insight into how Learning Dreams can have an impact on families and youth in the child welfare system.

We are also excited to see how Learning Dreams can be implemented in other organizations and programs as an additional component that complements their existing work.