Pacific Gas and Electric Company officials visited Nipomo Elementary and awarded a grant of $8,500 to Big Brothers Big Sisters to fully support the program which pairs college and high school students with elementary school students whose parents often work long hours. The program intentionally promotes asset development in both the mentors and younger students.
To celebrate the visit, the children made art projects to thank PG&E. Patricia Wilmore and Kory Raftery of PG&E spoke with Brianna Boydstun, a high school Big Sister for 3 years. Boydstun was once a Little Sister in the program and is proud to “pay it forward” as she mentors younger children.
“We’re honored and humbled to be able to support such a worthwhile and vital program for young people in our community,” Raftery, a spokesperson with PG&E said. “It was really amazing to see both the young adults and younger children in the program relating to one another. There is certainly a reciprocal relationship developing as skills of leadership and responsibility are being shared with the leaders of our next generations.”
Teachers and volunteers reported an 84 percent improvement in classroom behavior and academic performance. More than 80 percent of the students improved their peer and adult relationships with 80 percent improving self-confidence and 79 percent improving their decision-making skills.
High school and college aged youths also gain vital skills and developmental assets such as learning to be a resource to their community as well as learning that the community values youth. They improve the bond to their school and community, and learn about peaceful conflict resolution. All of which are proven to help protect and promote youth, while supporting the community at large.
“We are delighted that PG&E so generously promotes asset development in the most vulnerable children in our community,” Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director, Anna Boyd Bucy said.
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