Big Brothers Big Sisters Expands Mentoring Program to UWF, Empowering Students for Future Success

The University of West Florida welcomed 20 Pensacola High School juniors to its Pensacola campus on October 9th for the launch of the Beyond School Walls program at UWF, a workplace mentoring initiative by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida.

The two-year program pairs students with volunteer UWF faculty and staff mentors to help them build the confidence and skills needed to succeed in post-secondary education, vocational training, and the workforce. During the school year, students will visit UWF's Pensacola campus monthly for workshops and one-on-one sessions with their mentors, who will provide guidance on building communication skills, applying for college and scholarships, crafting resumes, preparing for interviews, and exploring trade and career opportunities. This program has proven to have a profound impact on students, often resulting in improved grades, boosted self-esteem and a clearer vision for their futures.

"At UWF, we are always looking for new ways to support our community, shape tomorrow's leaders, create connections and make a difference in the world," said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. "Through Beyond School Walls and the transformative power of mentorship, our faculty and staff share their exceptional talents with young people, showing them pathways to future success and inspiring ambitious dreams." 

UWF joins an elite group one of only five institutions in Florida's more than 100 public and private colleges and universities offering the Beyond School Walls mentoring program. Through this initiative, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida also collaborates with local businesses in Escambia and Okaloosa counties to connect students with workplace mentors who help guide their educational and career paths.

"We are so grateful for this incredible partnership with UWF, and we know that the staff and faculty will provide our Littles with invaluable insights into college, career, and trade opportunities," said Paula Shell, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. "We are so excited to see this partnership become a reality and look forward to the impact it will have on these student's futures."

For more information about this program or to learn more about how you can get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, visit BeTheBig.org. For more information about the University of West Florida, visit uwf.edu.