In 2016, Comcast opened the new Customer Service Center in Tucson, Arizona, and quickly began making plans with the local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency to partner as a part of the national program known as Beyond School Walls program.
Through this partnership, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tucson and Comcast NBCUniversal in Tucson work together to bring the power of one-to-one mentoring to the children of Prince Elementary school. Beyond School Walls pairs children in elementary and middle schools with Comcast employee volunteers. Following the Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one mentoring model, each pair or “match” meet several times a month during school, providing a positive role model and friend for the child.
Marie Logan, the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tucson is thrilled to see this program launch in Tucson and said, “The Beyond School Walls program is a model partnership, bringing business, non-profit, and education together to strengthen our schools, neighborhoods, and community. The Comcast NBCUniversal team is a committed partner in this program, and the employees volunteering to mentor are exceptional role models for these students. From playing games in the classroom and the playground to helping with homework and talking about subjects important to the kids, the Comcast Bigs are making a difference in the lives of these children.”
Program Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tucson, Valerie Propst agrees and stated, “The best day of the week is Wednesday, coming to the school and seeing the kids so excited to see their mentor. It just makes your day and you can see by the expressions on the faces of the kids and the volunteers that this time together makes their day too”.
“The relationships built through this mentoring program are life-changing for both our employees and their Littles,” said Dee Knight, Public Relations Manager for Comcast in Utah and Arizona. “Not only do we see these children make improvements in their grades and feelings about education, but our employees value the opportunity to give back to children in their communities.”
For more information about Beyond School Walls and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tucson please call (520) 624-2447 or go to www.tucsonbigs.org
