Together, We're Raising The Next Generation

             MissionBIG is a bold, community-powered initiative designed to recruit, support, and mobilize college students across Greater Lynchburg to become mentors — or “BIGS” — for local youth through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia program.

We believe mentorship is more than just a program — it's a movement. MissionBIG connects students from our area’s colleges and universities to life-changing, one-on-one mentoring experiences with elementary school students through site-based mentorship at partnering schools.

      Lynchburg’s future depends on the success of our young people. Many local youth face social, emotional, and educational challenges that limit their ability to dream, plan, and rise.

Mentorship is a proven strategy to help youth:

• Build self-confidence
   
• Improve academic performance
   
• Develop stronger social-emotional skills
   
• Increase their sense of belonging and hope for the future

       MissionBIG is actively recruiting college students from:

• Randolph College 
• University of Lynchburg
• Liberty University
• Virginia University of Lynchburg

Students from any major or background are encouraged to apply. The only requirement is a heart for helping kids succeed.

       The magic behind MissionBIG doesn’t happen in a big arena or a fancy boardroom —
it happens one lunch break at a time, in elementary school classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds where kids begin to believe in something bigger: themselves.

This is where confidence grows.
Where laughter breaks barriers.
Where consistency becomes connection — and students realize they’re not alone

      RideBIG is the official transportation initiative of MissionBIG, powered by Rise Up Lynchburg and created specifically for college students mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Virginia.

We understand that juggling class schedules, jobs, and transportation can be tough — so we’ve created a free, coordinated, and consistent system to help college students get to and from school-based mentoring sites during the week.

 Becoming a mentor is simple. Here’s how to get started:

1. Sign Up Online
   Complete the quick interest form at [Insert Link].
    
2. Attend an Info Session
   We'll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and connect you with other student mentors.
    

         3.  Get Your BIG Seal           

              Child safety is our #1 priority — and it all starts with a rigorous, proven process to ensure every mentor is prepared, trustworthy, and ready to make a real difference.

To become a certified BIG through MissionBIG, you’ll go through a multi-step screening and training process known as the BIG Seal Journey — your badge of readiness to listen, serve, lead, and inspire.
      4. Start Mentoring. Change Lives

       You’ve signed up. You’ve been trained. Now comes the most powerful part: showing up.

Starting your mentorship journey isn’t just about being there — it’s about being present. As a BIG, your consistency, encouragement, and authenticity will create ripple effects that go far beyond a single meeting. You're not expected to be perfect — just real. Because every conversation, every high-five, every "you got this" matters.