Collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire to provide mentoring relationships

CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire (BBBSNH) to launch a new program that will provide one-to-one mentoring for students with disabilities.

Through this unique collaboration, students will be matched with a mentor to explore new opportunities and skills that will aid in their education, career and personal development. Mentors will provide students ages 14-24 with pretransition employment services, self-advocacy support, job shadowing, emotional support, work readiness assistance and more. 

“Assisting students with disabilities with a comprehensive process to determine what career pathway they will choose is the cornerstone of our vocational rehabilitation work,” said Lisa Hinson-Hatz, director of VR New Hampshire, a bureau within NHED. “It is wonderful to be able to work with BBBSNH in finding mentors for our youth to develop skills beyond the classroom and workplace that will guide them toward a successful life.”

BBBSNH has been serving youth for more than 55 years in the Granite State by creating mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Their mentorship model provides mentors and families with ongoing support, as well as training and coaching for the duration of the mentoring match.

“We are thrilled to partner with the New Hampshire Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation to bring our evidenced-based mentoring model to more youth in New Hampshire,” said Stacy Waters Kramer, CEO of BBBSNH. “Our programs help youth navigate the challenges they face every day while connected to a supportive role model who will help guide their potential. Every youth deserves to have someone in their corner.”

“This initiative aims to coach and mold young individuals with disabilities to be the best version of themselves, while simultaneously promoting job awareness and different work communities,” echoed Christine Brennan, Deputy Commissioner. 

Learn more about BBBSNH or sign up to mentor at www.bbbsnh.org; flexible time options are available for mentorships.