The Match Discount Partners list has been recently updated! Check out all of the great ideas for your Match here! Here are two of our newest match discount partners!

Thanks to the generosity of past and current Big Brothers Daniel Weidner and Nathan Molitor, two new scholarship opportunities are available. A $1,000 scholarship is available to current or former Littles in the BBBS of Central Minnesota program graduating from high school, and another $1,000 scholarship is available to current or former Littles currently attending college. The applicant must have been involved in the program for at least 18 months and be planning to enroll or currently enrolled at a trade, tech or community college or four-year institution. Online applications are due Monday, April 10, and winners will be notified by April 29. Click here to apply.

The application for scholarships for Fall 2023 semester is now open. Thanks to the generosity of the Federated Challenge, BBBS of Central Minnesota is offering a scholarship for up to $5,000 for students to attend a non-four year education that focuses on obtaining an apprenticeship, certificate or associate’s degree. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 10.  Please click here eligibility requirements and application details.

Interested students may fill out the online application individually, but are encouraged to contact Ann Matvick, Program Director, at Ann@BigDefenders.org or 320-258-4517 for assistance with filling out the application and with any questions.

Each year, the Project S.A.V.E. Charity Foundation awards 16 college scholarships of $1,000 each to senior high school students. Students are asked to pick one of the following categories to apply: Sports, Arts, Volunteerism, or Education. Project S.A.V.E. has also partnered with Central MN Auto Care Association to provide five additional $1,000 scholarships for high school senioes looking to take automotive-related courses at an area tech school following graduation. Applicants must live in Central Minnesota, have applied to a four-year accredited college/university or a two-year tech school, and meet all academic requirements to graduate by June 2023. Applications are due by April 14, 2023. Click here for more information or to apply.

Jim's Team 4 Diabetes Foundation - located in Blaine - offers college scholarships for up to $1,000 for students with Type 1 Diabetes. Applicants must be a current high school senior that will graduate in 2023. Undergraduate students enrolled at a four-year accredited college or university or two-year tech school are also eligible to apply for a scholarship to help with diabetic supplies, room and board, or books. The application includes a letter from a physician or CDE certifying the diagnosis and an essay describing the impact Type 1 Diabetes has had on the student's life. Applications are due May 15, 2023, for high school seniors, May 1 for college students enrolled in summer classes in 2023 and Aug. 1 for college students enrolled in classes for Fall 2023. Click here for more information or to apply.

Llama Llama Read-a-Rama - The United Way of Central Minnesota is hosting Llama Lllama Read-a-Rama: Proud to Be Me! From 5-7 p.m. on April 25, join the United Way for story time, arts and crafts, a healthy snack, meeting a real llama, and more! Click here for more info.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day - On Saturday, April 29, head to the St. Cloud Area YMCA for a kickoff to a happy, healthy summer! From 10 a.m.-1 p.m., this free event features a bounce house, door prizes, goodie bags and various stations like face painting, fire truck tours, archery, crafts and more! No registration required. Click here for more info.

Free Park Day - Excited to get outside? Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 22, as it is Free Park Day! That day, all 75 Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission to everyone. Explore a new park or visit your favorite park! Click here for more info.

St. Cloud Comic & Toy Show - Head to the Crossroads Center April 15 and 16 to take in the St. Cloud Comic & Toy Show! The event is free, open to the public and happens during mall hours both days. More than 50 artists/vendors/authors will be at the mall selling and showing off comics, posters, toys, original art, vinyls and more. Video game tournaments and cosplay showcase information will be updated the week before the event. Click here for more info.

Free Family Friendly Comedy Performance - Looking for a fun family night? KVSC is hosting a family-friendly comedy show on Wednesday, April 5. St. Cloud State alum C. Willi Myles is returning to his alma mater for a 7 p.m. show in the Ritschie Auditorium in Stewart Hall. Willi is often called "America's Everyday Comedian," and his down-to-earth humor is enjoyed by the whole family. The show is free and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Click here for more info.

Better Together: A Day of Wellness - Join the Bounce Back Project for an afternoon of family fun. On April 30 from 2-4 p.m., head to the Monticello Memorial Stadium for a free event featuring make and take stations, community resources, food trucks and a special performance from Koo Koo Kanga Roo! Follow the Bounce Back Project on Facebook to stay up to date on the event.

QueerConnect Monthly Meetups - QueerConnect Youth events are designed to help connect people in the LGBTQIA+ community. On the third Monday of every month, local middle and high school students are welcome at the QueerConnect Monthly Meetup. The meetup takes place from 5-8 p.m. at the St. Cloud COP House at 600 13th St. S. Follow St. Cloud Pride on Facebook or check out the website for more info.

Check out a Binge Box - Looking for something fun to do during the cold, snowy winter days? Check out a Binge Box from the St. Cloud library! Each box contains a handful of movies of all genres, and the checkout period is seven days. Click here for more information.

Arts Underground at St. Cloud Paramount - Every Thursday from Sept. 15, 2022, through May 18, 2023, head to the Paramount Center for the Arts in downtown St. Cloud to try your hand at various skills! Work with a studio mentor to try throwing a bowl on the wheel, piece together a mosaic or make a clay sculpture. Youth 19 and under are $5 each and adults are $10. Click here for more information.

On Saturday, May 13, head to Evelie Blu in St. Cloud to shop the boutique, check out products from local makers, and support BBBS of Central Minnesota! That day, 15 percent of all sales will be donated to BBBS. There will also be donation jars at the register, or you can click here to donate to Evelie Blu's BBBS Fundraiser! From 10 a.m.-1 p.m. that day, Megan of Certainly Wildflowers Permanent Jewelry will be in the shop to design your own keepsake, and there will be refreshments. Thanks to Evelie Blu for supporting BBBS!

NOMINATE FOR GROWING UP BIG

Do you know someone who is a former Little or High School Big through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota who demonstrates service to the community, character, and integrity? Are you that person? Nominate them for the BriAnna Kruzel Growing Up Big Award! The award is given annually to honor BriAnna Kruzel, a former Little Sister and High School Big Sister, who passed away suddenly in September 2013. Nominate here by Sunday, April 16.

Support local youth by taking part in the 2023 Big Auction & Raffle! Raffle tickets are on sale now by emailing the office or calling 320-253-1616. Tickets are $10 each, and the winners will be drawn Friday, April 28. The online auction runs April 28-May 5. Register now or check to see if you're already registered at the 2023 Big Auction website. Items will be available for preview on Friday, April 14. All proceeds stay right here in Central Minnesota!

The newest Bigs on Campus initiative at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University has a handful of matches made since it started in January, but there are more Littles waiting! Faculty, staff, alumni and business professionals from CSB+SJU are paired with students from Kennedy Community School, and several Kennedy students still need a Big! If you or anyone you know would be interested in being a Big for the CSB+SJU Bigs on Campus initiative, email Emmitt Edwards for more information!

AmazonSmile is sunsetting at the end of the month, but we have a new and easy way for you to support local youth. When you sign up today to donate on the BBBS of Central Minnesota website, you can choose to round up every purchase on the credit card of your choosing. Every time you swipe that card, the total is rounded up to the nearest dollar - and that extra change stays right here in Central Minnesota! Your extra change could make a BIG difference to local youth - give it a try!

Have you ever thought about being a Big? Do you know someone who would be a great Big? BBBS of Central Minnesota is looking for 10 mentors to be a part of the Bigs on Campus initiative at St. Cloud State. Meet with your mentee twice a month for an hour at a time at SCSU and help them get accustomed to life on a college campus! Click here for more information or to sign up to be part of the Bigs on Campus program!

Are you a Thrivent member with a Thrivent Action Team, or do you know someone who is? BBBS is partnering with Thrivent on a number of fundraisers that will utilize their generosity programs to further Thrivent's event impact. Get involved by reaching out to Emily Steinmetz at Emily@BigDefenders.org. Please click here for more information.

Welcome to a world of fun, learning, and resources - The Little Big Virtual Academy!

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota team has compiled a list of fun and interactive activities and resources for Littles and Bigs to do together (either in-person or virtually). Click here to check it out!

Please visit our BBBS Website to view resources and information for parents/guardians & Bigs including mentoring videos and parenting resources. We also have an extensive listing of community resources including tutors, food and housing assistance, and mental health resources. BigDefenders.org/resources

In addition, we also list past issues of the Big Happenings on our website. Please click here to access past issues.

The Junior Achievement Virtual Career Expo is an online event to help students start their career exploration journey and focus in on what industries interest them, what specific jobs are like, and what education is required to do those jobs successfully. This year's virtual expo runs April 12-13, and can be viewed as a recording any time. The expo features an interactive showcase of local and regional careers, downloadable career info, virtual backpacks to save interesting information and 24/7 student access. Email Ann Matvick at Ann@BigDefenders.org to get the sign up link to watch recordings or click here for more info.

If you've ever thought about a career in welding or as a truck driver, Career Solutions and SCTCC has opportunity to learn more about both. CDL Discovery Day is May 10 from 1-4 p.m. at SCTCC. Connect with local trucking employers, learn about CDL requirements and climb in the driver's seat. Contact angela.schmitz@csjobs.org to register today. There is also a Welding Discovery Day from 4-7 p.m. on May 17 at SCTCC. Connect with local welding employers and test out tools and equipment. Email tom.hickey@csjobs.org to register.

If you're interested in a career in either surgical or imaging, check out the CentraCare open houses coming up in April and May. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the St. Cloud Hospital operating rooms at the Surgery Open House on Thursday, April 13. From 6-7:30 p.m., take part in hands-on activities for all ages. Tours start at the surgery entrance - the event is free, and no RSVP needed. Then from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10, get a free tour of the Radiology department and learn more about the diverse field at the CentraCare Plaza in the Windfeldt Room. (Masks are required at CentraCare.) Please call 320-251-2700, ext. 71269 for more information.

If you've got big goals and you're looking for the right job to achieve them, consider joining Career Solutions' Job Club. Job Club meets every Thursday from 10:30 a.m.-Noon and is open to anyone who is job searching. Job seekers must register to attend. Please click here for more information or to register.

Are you interested in technology, vehicles, robots, or tools? Check out one of the Skills Trades & Industry Summer camps at St. Cloud Technical & Community College this summer! SCTCC is hosting a trio of different camps open to boys and girls in grades 3-12. There's a NitroX camp for grades 6-9, a S.T.A.R. camp for boys and girls grades 3-12 (one session for elementary students and a second for middle and high school students), and an Intro to Tools camp for grades 3-12. All camps are in June and/or July 2023, and the deadline to register is April 14. Check out this link for more information or email Katie Frank for details on specific dates and pricing. Limited scholarships are available.

If you're interested in welding as a career, Career Solutions has an opportunity to learn more. They are hosting a free Welding and Manufacturing Training from March 13-April 20. Each Monday through Thursday from 5-9 p.m., get hands-on training that focuses on Wire Feed Welding (also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding). Earn your industry credential as a Certified Manufacturing Associate and connect with local welding employers. All equipment, tools and tuition are provided and paid for. Please email Tom to register or for more information.

Higher Works Collaborative in St. Cloud works to advance the lives and livelihoods of African Americans in Central Minnesota. They offer tutoring and classes to help prepare middle and high schoolers for life after high school. Please click here for more information.

CareerOne is offering two free summer camps in Central Minnesota for youth looking to earn money while developing job skills. The St. Cloud Area camp runs June 20-July 20 from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on set days. Youth ages 14-17 in the St. Cloud area are welcome to apply. The Paynesville/Sauk Centre/Melrose camp runs July 24-Aug. 4 from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, and is open to youth ages 14-17 in those areas. At both camps youth can earn a stipend while performing community work projects and earning certificates. Breakfast, lunch and a snack are provided each day along with work shirts and there is free transportation to/from work sites. Apply here or email info@csjobs.org for more information or a paper application.

Minnesota Afterschool Advance helps Minnesota families who meet income requirements use the powerful but underutilized Minnesota K-12 Education Tax Credit to help them pay for educational afterschool programs like tutoring, music lessons, and art classes. Please click here to apply.

Career Solutions helps Central Minnesota find a job or career that's right for them. The WIOA Young Adult Program can help assess future careers, assess skills and interests and assist with job searches. Please click here for more information.