Big Brothers Big Sisters partners with McNeese to create a new college course

Expanded partnership provides free tutoring to local youth while giving future teachers hands-on experience

Lake Charles, La. (Nov. 20, 2025) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana and McNeese State University’s Burton College of Education have partnered to expand Study Buddy, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana’s mentoring-based tutoring program that connects university students with Big Brothers Big Sisters Littles for academic support.

Through this collaboration, Study Buddy has been formalized as an approved field experience opportunity within a for-credit course for McNeese College of Education majors. The course offers teacher candidates real-world classroom experience while providing free, high-quality tutoring to children who may not otherwise have access to academic support outside of school.

“This partnership embodies the heart of our mission — creating meaningful connections that change lives,” said Jillian Cormier, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana. “Many of our Littles come from families who can’t afford private tutoring. Study Buddy removes that barrier, giving every child the opportunity to strengthen their confidence and academic success.”

Amber Morgan, program director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana, emphasized the dual benefit of the initiative.

“Our Littles get consistent one-on-one attention in subjects where they need the most help, and McNeese students gain valuable teaching experience in a structured, supported environment,” Morgan said. “It’s a partnership that uplifts both sides and strengthens our community.”

“The Study Buddy partnership gives our teacher candidates a unique opportunity to engage in authentic, relationship-centered teaching experience,” said Dr. Lori Benoit, faculty lead for the initiative. “It brings learning to life — for both our McNeese students and the Littles they serve. Through hands-on work with Littles, candidates learn to apply instructional strategies that support personalized learning, plan and implement lessons that promote healthy and successful living, and meet the needs of learners and community stakeholders. We truly value this service-learning partnership and are continually inspired by the dedication of the students and staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

Dr. Angel Ogea, Burton College of Education dean, said the college is committed to preparing future educators who are ready to make a difference in the classroom and beyond.

“Our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters goes beyond mentor-based tutoring — it fosters a strong sense of community and demonstrates the power of learning that takes place in supportive, caring environments. We want our education majors to engage in learning and mentoring across various settings, grade levels and content areas. This empowers our candidates to recognize their vital role within these experiences and understand that meaningful learning and mentorship can happen anywhere, not just in the classroom.”

To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana or its community partnerships, visit bbbsswla.org/partners.