Power Up 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 – 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 works, here’s what you need to know!

WHAT IS POWER UP?

Power Up 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 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 DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BBBS PROGRAMS?

Unlike BBBS’s traditional community-based or one-on-one school-based mentoring, Power Up 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 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 is only available at Springfield Middle School and Northwestern Academy of Visual and Performing Arts 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 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 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 is free for students. Right now, it’s only available at Springfield Middle School and Northwestern Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, 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 Amy Kuchta, CEO, at amykuchta@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 TO YOUR SCHOOL?

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