Power Up 365: Frequently Asked Questions

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan (BBBS), we believe that mentorship ignites potential in youth. That’s why we launched Power Up 365 – an embedded-in-school program where BBBS staff, called Lead Mentors, support students in building confidence, social skills, and academic success.

If you’re a student, parent, or educator wondering how Power Up 365 works, here’s what you need to know!

WHAT IS POWER UP 365?

Power Up 365 is a mentorship program that happens during the school day. Instead of meeting one-on-one like in traditional mentoring, students work in small groups led by trained BBBS staff.

Because this program is built right into the school schedule, students get regular support without needing to arrange extra meetings or transportation.

WHY POWER UP 365 MATTERS

✅ Support at School – Students meet with their Lead Mentor during the school day, making it easy to participate.
✅ Team-Based Mentorship – Small groups help students learn teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
✅ Social & Academic Growth – Lead Mentors encourage students to build confidence, make positive choices, and succeed in school and life.

HOW IS POWER UP 365 DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BBBS PROGRAMS?

Unlike BBBS’s traditional community-based or one-on-one school-based mentoring, Power Up 365 is:
✔ Led by trained BBBS staff (not volunteer Bigs)
✔ Group-focused instead of one-on-one
✔ Part of the school day, so all students can participate easily

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHO LEADS POWER UP 365 SESSIONS?

BBBS Lead Mentors – trained professionals – run the sessions, guiding and encouraging students during the school day.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Students at participating schools who need extra encouragement, social-emotional support, or guidance can join.

WHAT SCHOOLS ARE PARTICIPATING?

Currently, Power Up 365 is only available at Springfield Middle School in Battle Creek.

WHAT DOES “EMBEDDED IN SCHOOL” MEAN?

Lead Mentors are at the school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, so they’re there to support students throughout the day.

HOW OFTEN DO STUDENTS MEET WITH THEIR LEAD MENTOR?

Students meet at least once a week in their assigned groups. They can also check in anytime they need extra support during the school day.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A POWER UP 365 SESSION?

Each session follows a structured curriculum, but we also focus on real-life situations that students are experiencing. For example, if there’s a trend of bullying or body shaming, we address it directly in discussions.

Here’s how a session typically goes:

• Students arrive, and the first one there earns Power Up Bucks, which they can save for prizes.
• We spend about 8-10 minutes checking in and talking about how everyone is feeling.
• If students have something on their minds, we talk about it and connect it to the lesson.
• Lessons focus on topics like self-regulation, self-control, reputations, and helping students understand how small actions can have a lasting impact.

DO LEAD MENTORS WORK FOR THE SCHOOL?

No, Lead Mentors are BBBS staff members, not school employees. We work inside schools to support students, parents, and teachers.

IS THIS AN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM? DO PARENTS NEED TO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION?

Nope! Power Up 365 happens during school hours, so there’s no transportation needed. We do not currently offer an after-school program.

DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO JOIN?

No! Power Up 365 is free for students. Right now, it’s only available at Springfield Middle School, but we hope to expand to more schools soon.

HOW CAN PARENTS GET INVOLVED?

Parents can join our POWER UP Parent Group or volunteer to help with program activities. Just reach out to Dee Mitchell, Program Manager, at deshawaunmitchell@bbbsmi.org

HOW DO STUDENTS SIGN UP?

• Students need parent permission to join.
• Registration happens once a year, from May 1 to May 23.
• Parents will get an email from BCPS with registration details.
• If a student misses the registration window, they can still apply through the BBBS website and be placed on a waitlist.
• The only late applications we accept are from school staff referring students who need extra support.

WANT TO BRING POWER UP 365 TO YOUR SCHOOL?

If you’re a school administrator interested in bringing Power Up 365 to your students, we’d love to connect!