Every Tuesday and Thursday, the high school students, fondly called “bigs,” set up their classroom and prepare for their “littles” to arrive. More than 40 high school students participate in the program, sharing a snack with their mentees and working on homework before enjoying a fun activity together — ranging from Dr. Seuss rap battles to constructing towers out of spaghetti noodles.

While the program’s schedule may seem straightforward, the relationships fostered within CIS make it magical. Each elementary student works to improve areas they struggle with, whether it is multiplication tables or making new friends at the lunch table.

The compassionate, driven group of high school mentors showcase the diverse paths young people can take to success. The older students come from a plethora of backgrounds and interests — athletes, artists, “techies” and musicians — all modeling a love for learning and connection-building. Regardless of their chosen career path, graduating mentors are eligible for scholarships awarded by CIS, which can be used to pay for college tuition or tools for technical school. It’s the diversity of the CIS program and the individual assistance it provides young people which makes the program unique.

Each semester students submit surveys to summarize their mentoring experience. Most write fondly of interacting with their mentors, improving their reading and learning new things. One response in particular captured the power of the relationships forged during CIS.

What’s the best thing about mentoring? One elementary student answered, “Playing outside and doing homework and him helping me. He makes me happy when I almost get a little bit angry.”

Stacy Newman, the board chairman of Cities in Schools, said the mentoring program is successful because it’s not just focused on academics – but connects teens and youngsters personally.

“If a student is having a bad day and just needs someone to talk to, CIS mentors are available,” she said. “There is still an academic component, but we let the Bigs set the curriculum for that mentoring session. We keep the students between the lines while allowing flexibility with each mentor to determine the direction of the session. The high school mentors have done amazing work and are beginning their path of pay it forward charitable giving.” The mentors work hard to help the younger children, but they learn a lot about responsibility, building relationships and themselves in the process.

“I love hanging out with the kids and always be(ing) able to make them smile…and help(ing) them not worry about anything at least for a little while,” one high school student wrote.

As CIS executive director, Price sees firsthand the difference it makes in the lives of young people. She hears about their improved schoolwork, sees how they make new friends and receives gracious emails from parents writing to say the program gave them back their Thursday evenings to focus on family.

“I think that as a society, we sometimes forget how great challenges can be when you’re little. It is tough navigating a world that you’re trying to figure out. They’re doing that at 7 years old, and we expect them to do it easily,” Price says. “We must be conscious that they’re learning, adapting to so much and overcoming daily challenges. I’m in awe of the littles and bigs. I think each kid’s challenges are individual to them. It may be not having as many school supplies or overcoming a learning disability.”

Helping young people tackle everyday challenges so they can focus on achieving their goals is the core of CIS’ mission. From the widely successful service-learning program, now offered in two local schools, to creating resource rooms for students and staff. Price, her board, the school staff and CIS liaisons are listening to their community to provide for south central Oklahoma’s young people. And such an ambitious mission wouldn’t be possible without support.