Consistency is Key

Volunteers – or as we call them, “VIPs” – are essential citizens of BRYC’s college-preparatory community, a village of programs, participatory opportunities, and people that we wrap around our Fellows at no cost. The most important part of being a VIP is consistency. When VIPs commit to showing up week in, week out, they build trust with their Fellows, and then anything is possible. In many cases, the bonds formed during weekly programs and through offline communication remain strong years after Fellows enter college.

How it Works

VIPs choose the role that interests them. Once we know Fellows’ and mentors’ scheduling availability, we group them based on preferences and shared interests. Whenever possible, BRYC aims for Fellows to work with the same mentor throughout their BRYC experience.

RESEARCH MENTOR

Work with 8th-grade Fellows

Goals:
Investigate a social justice issue
Complete a year-long research project
Prepare for the high school transition

LEARNING MENTOR

Work with 9th- & 10th-grade Fellows

Goals:
Get homework done and build study skills
Improve time management and organization
Become a successful self-advocate

UPPER LEARNING MENTOR

Work with 11th-grade Fellows

Goals:
Grow ACT content knowledge and strategies
Improve skills for independent practice
Overcome mental roadblocks

COLLEGE MENTOR

Work with 12th-grade Fellows

Goals:
Apply for college and financial aid
Select an affordable, best-fit school
Prepare for the college transition

TUTOR

Work with 8th–12th-grade Fellows

How Tutoring Works:
Choose your field of academic expertise
Set your own schedule
Meet w/ Fellows 1:1 for 60-minutes (virtually)

VOLUNTEER PARTNERSHIP

BRYC has built rich volunteer partnerships with organizations like ExxonMobil and Southern’s Law Center. If your group has five or more volunteer prospects, please contact [email protected] to discuss a potential partnership.

Eligibility

VIPs are diverse in race, gender, age, employment, and every other possible factor. What they share is a commitment to advancing education equity in Baton Rouge and nationwide. If you, too, believe all hard-working students deserve access to the socioeconomic benefits of an affordable two- or four-year college degree, you are eligible to be a BRYC VIP.

Expectations

  • Commit 75 minutes, one day per week, with minimal absences
  • Attend programs in person at BRYC Downtown, BRYC Airline, or BRYC Iberville (location determined during the application and onboarding process)
  • Complete all required training sessions before and during the school year
  • Learn and live BRYC’s Culture Code

Please note: All volunteers must pass a background check before working with Fellows.

Schedule

Same Time, Same Day (August - May)

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, OR Thursday
  • 6:00–7:15pm CST
  • Training sessions and special events occur periodically throughout the year

Testimonials

VIPs: 100% RECOMMEND VOLUNTEERING AT BRYC

I enjoyed everything about my experience as a BRYC mentor. I’ve not only helped my Fellow learn and grow, but I’ve also learned a lot about myself and where I stand on this journey in life. 10/10 recommend this program to anyone seeking to improve themselves.

Mykia J., Learning Mentor

It was exciting to see the level of commitment from the Fellows week after week. It has been a fulfilling season of life, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I look forward to seeing all the great things that come from this organization.

Bianca C., Upperclassmen Mentor

Everything was very organized, and I really appreciate all the BRYC staff did for this! I developed a good relationship with my mentee, despite never meeting face to face. I’m thankful for the support I received as a mentor.

Emily F., College Mentor