The Jack in the Box Foundation sponsors a national BBBS school-based mentoring program, which currently runs in 17 U.S. communities: Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, St. Louis, Boise, Los Angeles, Fresno, Nashville, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Seattle, San Jose, San Antonio, Charlotte, Greenville, Orange County and San Diego.

The program matches high school student "Bigs" with elementary school student "Littles," who meet weekly to read, do homework or just talk. The program enables BBBS to serve more children by tapping into a wide volunteer base - high school students.

• The Foundation sponsors the program through an annual donation to BBBS and lends additional support by offering materials to help recruit high school students - such as t-shirts and Jack in the Box free meal cards.

• The Foundation program grants a $1,000 "High School Big Award" to one high school student from each of the 17 school-based mentoring programs. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in youth volunteer service.

• The Foundation sponsors recognition events for student volunteers and underwrites recruitment brochures and other materials.

According to a BBBS study, elementary students who participate in school-based mentoring develop better attitudes about school, achieve higher grades, improve their relationships with adults and peers and develop more self-confidence.

High school students who participate develop a sense of responsibility, develop leadership skills, learn the value of volunteering and help fulfill community service credits for college applications.