NAAAP-BBBS Prodigy Program

NAAAP-BBBS Prodigy Program Overview

The Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP Philadelphia) and Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA (BBBS SEPA) are proud to announce the 2010 launch of the NAAAP-BBBS Prodigy Program in partnership with the John H. Taggart School (Taggart School) of South Philadelphia! The Prodigy Program was created in response to racially-motivated school violence that has been prevalent throughout South Philadelphia in recent years. The mission of the Prodigy Program is to foster a new generation of Asian American leaders via a mentoring program that will challenge Asian American middle school students to develop leadership attributes and self awareness internally as a method to affect positive change among their peers externally.

Recruitment of Bigs

The Process. All Bigs will go through a thorough background check and careful interview process beginning in the Spring of 2010. Then, BBBS will match Bigs and Littles based on location, personalities, and preferences. BBBS will provide full support for each match through a trained match support specialist. Such support includes monthly communication with each parent, child, and volunteer throughout the life of the match to provide support and coaching.

Who qualifies? Undergraduate students, graduate students, and working professionals who have access to a car and can commit to meeting with their Littles 2-4 times per month between Sept 2010 and Sept 2011. For undergraduate and graduate students, we’d like to encourage those who will not be graduating in 2011 to apply, so we can ensure Littles have stability and longevity in their mentor relationship.

Recruitment of Littles

Littles will be selected in the Spring of 2010 by a school counselor at the Taggart School, with parental consent. BBBS will match Bigs and Littles based on location, personalities, and preferences. BBBS will provide full support for each match through a trained match support specialist. Such support includes monthly communication with each parent, child, and volunteer throughout the life of the match to provide support and coaching.

If you or your child is interested in becoming a Little in the NAAAP-BBBS Prodigy Program, please contact Taggart School counselor Diane Phillips at dphillips@philasd.org

Structure of Program

The structure of the Prodigy Program will be based on a merging of BBBS' proven Site-Based Mentoring program as well as BBBS' traditional Community-Based Mentoring program. Bigs and Littles will meet 2 to 4 times a month for 12 months. One of the monthly meetings will be comprised of a workshop or field trip based on a curriculum designed by NAAAP Philadelphia. Topics in the curriculum include Race and Culture, Conflict Resolution, Constitutional Rights, and Higher Education. Other meetings can consist of the monthly BBBS-sponsored regional activity (i.e. ice skating, bowling, sporting event) or another activity of the Big and Little's own choosing (movie, museum visit, tour of the city, restaurant outing, etc.). Transportation will be provided by Bigs, who will go through a security clearance to ensure that they have a valid driver's license and car insurance.

Measurable Results

The Problem. According to a 2004 US Census Bureau report, 15,000 children from the Philadelphia region will drop out and not finish high school this year. These kids will earn at least $9,000 per year LESS than their peers who do finish school. That $9,000 a year equals $135,000,000 in lost wages for the Philadelphia area, every year.

The Results. BBBS is an evidence-based organization, which means they are constantly learning, measuring, and improving how we deliver their mentoring programs. BBBS is one of only 11programs classified by the University of Colorado’s Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence as a “Blueprint Model” noted for being an effective preventative program. According to a study done by Joe Tierney of Public/Private Ventures, because of their relationships with Bigs, Littles are:

• 52% less likely to skip school
• 37% less likely to skip class
• 33% less likely to hit someone
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs

• BBBS' auditors, Diamond & Associates, consistently gives BBBS a clean audit.
• BBBS received a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator three of the past four years.
• BBBS has a strict system of checks and balances to ensure that we are managing our revenue and expenses accurately and with a fiscally conservative approach.
• BBBS SEPA has a strong network of 32 corporate partners, 7 college partners, and 60 school partners

• Provide workshop materials to support monthly leadership development activities
• Ensure that trained professionals match children to caring and responsible Bigs
• Support one-on-one, ongoing supervision and support for every match

Your small gift could make a big difference in the life of one Asian American middle school youth! To make a Corporate or Individual donation, please email Mang Chang, NAAAP Philadelphia VP of Non Profit Relations at mang.chang@naaapphilly.org.

Contacts

If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments regarding the NAAAP-BBBS Prodigy Program, please contact one of the following individuals:

Mang Chang, VP of Nonprofit Relations, NAAAP Philadelphia - mang.chang@naaapphilly.org
Thuy Le, Match Support Specialist, BBBS SEPA - TLe@bbbssepa.org