High school students in Greater Cincinnati are stepping beyond the classroom and into the workplace thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati's Beyond School Walls program, which connects juniors and seniors with professional mentors at local corporate partners.

The innovative initiative has more than doubled in size over the past two years, according to Jackie Graves, director of special programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati. Through monthly workplace visits, students meet one-on-one with mentors, build professional skills and gain firsthand insight into potential career paths in a real-world business environment.

"Monthly visits to the company's office allow students to explore career opportunities, develop essential professional skills and build confidence as they engage with mentors in a real-world work environment," Graves said. The program currently operates eight Beyond School Walls initiatives with plans to expand further, partnering additional companies and high schools with interested students.

Patience, a student at Newport High School, has been paired with Tammy Landfried, AVP and head of financial reporting at MassMutual Ascend Life Insurance Company in Cincinnati, for the past two years. Prior to the program, she had no clear post-secondary education plans, but the mentorship experience transformed her trajectory.

"Before Beyond School Walls, I was clueless about that," Patience said of the professional workplace environment. "From being in the program these past 2 years I've have learned far more than what I expected going in. Not only did I find a career path I enjoy I found out what it's like to be in a work setting and how to act and present myself."

Patience has since received scholarship offers to several colleges and decided to attend Gateway Community and Technical College for two years before transferring to Northern Kentucky University. She attributed her success to the consistent support from both her Big Sister and the company.

"The leaders at MassMutual Ascend go above and beyond to make sure everyone has everything they need," Patience said, urging other businesses to participate. "They take their time to get to know their Littles and truly care."

MassMutual Ascend, headquartered in Cincinnati with more than 600 employees, said the partnership reflects its commitment to community investment. "Our partnership with BBBS creates meaningful, lasting impact in our surrounding communities by providing children with consistent mentorship and trusted support as they build confidence, life skills, and a plan that helps meet their educational and professional goals," the company said in a statement.

Research shows mentorship programs have measurable benefits. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the national organization, reports that mentored youth demonstrate significant improvements in school performance, self-confidence and decision-making.

For more information about Beyond School Walls or how to get involved, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati at bigsforkids.org.