Partnerships
These organizations provide meaningful hands-on opportunities, mentorship, guidance, and resources that positively impact student growth and success. We sincerely thank each of our partners for their commitment to investing in our scholars and helping shape their future academically, socially, and emotionally.
Additional Partners
- After School All Stars - GSU
- Atlanta Police Foundation - @PROMISE
- Bethel United Methodist Church
- Big Brother Big Sister
- Breakthrough Atlanta
- Carey's Catering
- ChickFilA - Cascade
- Communities in Schools (CIS)
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated - Atlanta Suburban Alumnae
- Family Ties
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
- Future Seekers
- His Friends Church
- UPS Mentorship
- VC Vending
- Trio - Clark Atlanta
After School All-Stars
After-School All-Stars is a free, comprehensive after-school and summer program, partnered with Georgia State University’s College of Education & Human Development. The mission of ASAS is to provide year-round programming giving students access to academic support, enrichment and the community.
ASAS is driven by youth voice and choice, and tailors our programs to students’ interests in the following areas: health & wellness, STEM learning, visual & performing arts, career exploration, and academic readiness.
Here at Bunche Middle School, we offer:
- Art Club
- Step
- Dance
- Intramural Sports
- Girls & Boys Mentoring
- E-Sports
- Robotics
- Double Dutch
- Nutrition (summer session)
- Chess
All students interested may obtain an application from the Main Office of Bunche Middle School. Applications are accepted and reviewed daily. ASAS also provides students with a daily snack and transportation (if needed).
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Long, Site Coordinator at mlong42@gsu.edu.
LEVEL UP
Bunche Middle School Mentoring Program
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta
Program Overview
Level Up is a large-scale mentoring program that utilizes paid mentors embedded full-time in middle schools. The program was created in response to needs expressed by principals, counselors, and administrators for trained, positive adult role models who can provide consistent and direct mentoring for students experiencing classroom disruptions, student conflicts, and other behavioral challenges at unprecedented levels.
The program is designed to serve 100 students per grade at partner middle schools through small-group and 1:1 mentoring.
Mentoring Session Focus Areas: Sense of Belonging • Vision for the Future • Making Healthy Choices • SEL/Mental Health
Meet the Mentors
Senior Lead Mentor
Ms. Marja Hill is a Senior Lead Mentor with the Level Up in-school mentoring program by Big Brothers Big Sisters. She is deeply passionate about youth development and mentorship. As someone who understands the importance of having strong support systems, she is dedicated to showing up consistently for her mentees and creating a safe, encouraging space for them to grow. Through her work, she strives to inspire confidence, resilience, and self-worth in every student she serves.
“I do this work because I know what it feels like to need someone in your corner and now, I get to be that person for someone else.”
Lead Mentor
Mr. Terrance Jackson is a Lead Mentor with the Level Up in-school mentoring program by Big Brothers Big Sisters. He is passionate about guiding and supporting youth as they navigate both academic and personal growth. Committed to being a consistent and positive presence, he builds strong, trusting relationships with his mentees. Through his mentorship, he encourages confidence, accountability, and resilience, helping each student recognize their potential and move toward a successful future.
“Mentorship is the quiet spark that turns potential into purpose one conversation, one lesson, one belief at a time.”
How Does It Work?
Each Lead Mentor leads several small groups of up to 5 Littles at a time and some 1:1 sessions for other mentees. When Mentors and Littles meet, they take time to talk about their day, connect, build relational skills, and improve social-emotional connection. This all happens during the school day on a set schedule, similarly to how Connections work in a student's schedule.
Who Are the Mentors?
The mentors in the Level Up program are Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta employees called Lead Mentors. Their whole job is to be a mentor to youth. They are professionally and continually trained to provide the highest standard of mentorship and relationship-building with youth in the program.
Who Are the Littles?
Any student can enroll to be a Little (a mentee) at a Level Up school. The school team is on board for Littles to reach their full potential by meeting with their mentor during the school day at their designated time.
What Does Mentoring Do?
Research and experience show that mentorship leads to positive outcomes for youth, including a greater sense of belonging, clearer plans and ideas for their future, avoidance of risky behaviors, and improved social-emotional skills.
Bunche Middle School Highlights
Attendance: Students in the Level Up Program at Bunche saw significant improvements in Average Daily Attendance from the pre-program baseline to the 2024–2025 school year.
Pre-Program: 87%
2024–2025 SY: 90.6%
+3.6 gain
Discipline: Data shows a clear and consistent downward trend in school suspension rates over program years.
Pre-Program: 1.55
2024–2025 SY: 1.03
Decrease reported: -2.4
Financial Literacy: 100 Littles completed the Hands on Banking Financial Literacy Module during 7th Grade (2024–2025 SY).
Stock Market Game: 30 Littles participated in the SIFMA/Stock Market Game sponsored by Wells Fargo during 8th Grade (2025–2026 SY).
Level Up Match of the Year 2025: Bunche Middle School — Senior Lead Mentor Marja Hill & Jontavia Small
Level Up Match of the Year 2026: Bunche Middle School — Lead Mentor Terrance Jackson & Camron Broadbelt