About the Big Sibling Program @ MIT

The Big Sibling Program, a mentoring program since the Fall 2002 for children adopted internationally or transracially, provides an opportunity for positive interaction between an MIT student and a child adopted internationally or transracially. The Big Sibling serves as a point of contact with the child's cultural heritage; helps the child learn to navigate cultural issues; and is a resource in building a healthy identity. Similar programs have been successful at Phillips-Exeter, Dartmouth, and Tufts.

For further information about the program, please check out our website.

Learn more about the Big Sibling Program @ MIT

To date, there are approximately 15 Big Sibling Families/ Big Siblings at MIT. In the past 3 years, more than 30 Big Sibling Families/Big Siblings have been involved in the program, working with children adopted from over 15 countries around the world.

The Big Sibling Program is recognized by the Public Service Center; the Center for Work, Family and Personal Life; and Spouses and Partners at MIT. The Big Sibling Program at MIT has also been earmarked as a model for mentoring by the International Adoptee Congress in Washington, D.C.

There is a minimum one-year commitment to the program once a connection has been made with a Big Sibling/ Big Sibling Family, to allow enough time to foster continuity and quality with the Big Sibling relationship. Many Big Sibling relationships, however, have lasted well over one year.

The Big Sibling Program has made a profound impact for adopted children, and has been an infinitely rewarding, and often life-changing, experience for both Big Sibling Families and Big Siblings.

Interested in becoming a Big Sibling/Big Sibling Family?