A new Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester (BBBSGM) mentoring program aimed at high school freshmen is being supported by a $2,500 Community Outreach grant from St. Mary’s Bank, the nation’s first credit union.

The program will provide services this fall to 60 incoming Manchester Central High School students struggling with academics and literacy. Trained mentors will focus on students’ strengths and talents, providing encouragement and the skills they need to improve and succeed.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester has served the Queen City for the past 48 years, providing children facing adversity with supportive relationships with adults who want to change young lives for the better,” said Katie Orlando, BBBSGM Executive Director.

“Through this new program, we hope to guide students through high school and on to college,” said Orlando. “Sixty additional first-year students will be matched in this mentoring program each fall, so that eventually, every incoming Central student will be matched with a mentor for their entire high school career.”

“Education and positive role models are key to the success of young adults and this program will provide the foundation for that success,” said Thomas Champagne, St. Mary’s Bank Director of Community Outreach. “We’re pleased to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester and this important program.”