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OUR PARTNERS
"Unofficial Visits is proud to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) to provide mentorship and guidance for our participants. Through this collaboration, students are accompanied by their pre-existing "Bigs" – mentors who help guide them through our workshops, offering personal support and encouragement. This partnership allows us to combine the power of mentorship with college exposure, creating an impactful experience that inspires students to dream big and reach for their goals. Together with BBBS, we’re not only helping students explore college but also fostering meaningful relationships that promote personal growth and success."
NICK BRANDT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
UNOFFICIAL VISITS
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"Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County is the premier youth mentoring agency in our community- providing professionally-supported, 1:1 and group mentoring programs to almost 300 young people in 2023-2024. As part of our mission and services, we offer a wide variety of enriching and horizon-expanding events and opportunities for our Littles (youth mentees) and Bigs (adults mentors) throughout the year. This is really important because the vast majority of the families we serve are among the 40% of Americans who are struggling to make ends meet. This means that there are a lot of opportunities that might be available to some kids in our community that are simply not available to the kids and families we serve. We are lucky that supportive community members occasionally donate athletic tickets so our Bigs and Littles can enjoy Hawkeye sporting events they wouldn’t be able to otherwise. We have also enjoyed our partnership with the SWARM which has brought athletes to our events and after school programs. However, we think there is a significant opportunity to provide a truly value-added experience through an organization like Unofficial Visits. One where our young people can be more than just spectators in the stands. One where our young people can engage in meaningful interactions and connections with athletes and other University leaders. One where our young people can imagine themselves belonging on a university campus. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County is excited about Nick’s vision for Unofficial Visits and grateful for your support of our community’s children."
Dina Bishara, Program and Outreach Specialist
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County
ABOUT UV
OUR STORY
Unofficial Visits began with a simple idea: to inspire underserved youth by exposing them to college campuses and career opportunities. What started as a single event has grown into a full-fledged program that introduces 5th to 8th graders to the possibilities of higher education through hands-on workshops and campus visits. By partnering with schools, mentors, and local organizations, we are empowering students to see their future in a new light.
WHY IT MATTERS..
For many young students, especially those from underserved communities, the idea of college may seem distant or out of reach. We believe that early exposure to college life, combined with strong mentorship and career exploration, can ignite a sense of purpose and possibility. At Unofficial Visits, we’re not just giving students a campus tour – we’re showing them how college can be part of their story.