High school students in Greater Cincinnati are stepping beyond the classroom and into the workplace thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati’s innovative Beyond School Walls program.
Designed to expose young people to real-world careers, the program pairs high school juniors and seniors with professionals at local corporate partners. Through monthly workplace visits, students meet one-on-one with mentors, build professional skills and gain firsthand insight into potential career paths.
During monthly meetings, students interact with professionals in a real-world work environment, learning what daily life in various careers entails. Employers also benefit by helping to train the next generation of the workforce while offering their teams a meaningful way to give back to the community.
In the Beyond School Walls program between Newport High School and MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company, Little Sister, Patience, is paired with her Big Sister, Tammy Landfried, AVP, head of financial reporting.
“I decided to be part of Beyond School Walls because I didn’t know what I wanted to do for my future and wanted guidance on what path was right for me,” said Patience. “From being in the program these past 2 years I’ve have learned far more than what I expected going in. Not only did I find a career path I enjoy I found out what it’s like to be in a work setting and how to act and present myself. Before Beyond School Walls, I was clueless about that.”
As Jackie Graves, BBBS’ director of special programs said the program supports students throughout their junior and senior years of high school.
“Monthly visits to the company’s office allow students to explore career opportunities, develop essential professional skills and build confidence as they engage with mentors in a real-world work environment,” Graves said. “The Beyond School Walls program has more than doubled in size over the past two years, with plans to continue expansion, ensuring more young people have access to supportive mentors and meaningful pathways to their future.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati currently has eight Beyond School Walls programs, with plans to continue growing with additional companies and high schools. The initiative has seen success nationwide, benefiting students, mentors, employers and the broader community.
“MassMutual Ascend is proud to support Big Brothers Big Sisters as part of our commitment to strengthening the communities where we live and work, investing in the next generation, and fostering a culture of service and purpose,” Landfried said. Our partnership with BBBS creates meaningful, lasting impact in our surrounding communities by providing children with consistent mentorship and trusted support as they build confidence, life skills, and a create a plan that helps meet their educational and professional goals.”
Little Sister Patience, who had no college plan prior to her Beyond School Walls experience, has scholarship offers to several colleges and decided to attend Gateway Community and Technical College for two years and transfer to Northern Kentucky University.
She said she appreciates Big Brothers Big Sisters and MassMutual Ascend for the experience.
“The leaders at MassMutual Ascend go above and beyond to make sure everyone has everything they need,” she said. “They take their time to get to know their Littles and truly care. I would say thank you for everything and continue to impact others! I highly recommend more businesses to do Beyond School Walls because the program teaches young adults how to succeed after high school. The more businesses and people that get involved, the more impact young adults will have on the world.”
For more information about Beyond School Walls or other ways to get involved, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati at bigsforkids.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati