3.31.2006 ET

(CSRwire) PHILADELPHIA - Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) announced a $1 million grant from MetLife Foundation to launch a second phase of the MetLife Foundation Partnership for School-Based Mentoring. The $2.1 million, multi-year partnership is helping BBBS bring the Bigs in Schools Program to scale nationally and locally. In the second phase, BBBS will continue to expand school-based mentoring, with a focus on engaging baby boomers as mentors.

Through the Bigs in Schools Program, volunteers spend time one-to-one with "Littles" in their schools, typically once a week during the academic year. Teachers identify children who can benefit most from interaction with a caring adult. As their friendships evolve, volunteers and children discover ways to make school and learning fun.

In the MetLife Foundation Partnership's first phase, BBBS agencies in 25 cities were awarded funding to match thousands of young people with mentors and to connect volunteers with schools and their communities. MetLife Foundation support also helped the agencies leverage additional local resources.

With MetLife Foundation's new $1 million commitment, BBBS will continue to expand the Bigs in Schools Program, with an emphasis on connecting the nation's large Baby Boomer population with young people in need of mentors.

"We salute MetLife Foundation for partnering with us to identify and engage Boomers in our mission to enrich young people's lives through one-to- one friendships," said BBBS President and CEO Judy Vredenburgh. "Boomers are finding creative ways to stay vital and connected to their community - BBBS offers an ideal solution. We know they make terrific mentors, but currently represent just 16 percent of the 234,000 'Bigs' around the country," she said.

The two-year grant provides necessary funds to research Boomer demographics and volunteer interests and create tailored messaging based on the research. BBBS also will develop and distribute tools to aid member agencies in expanding outreach to and recruitment of Boomer volunteers. Ten BBBS agencies will be awarded funding to form new volunteer partnerships and achieve significant growth in their school-based mentoring programs and recruitment and retention of Boomer "Bigs."

"Mentoring is a critical component of young people's healthy development," said Sibyl Jacobson, President, MetLife Foundation. "We are pleased to partner with BBBS to engage more Boomers in increasing opportunities and positive outcomes for young people."

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 234,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement.

Grants support health, education, civic and cultural programs. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.

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