Pumped for Post-Secondary Program The Pumped for Post-Secondary program connects high school students with mentors, schools, and community partners. Through a network of support, students gain the skills and confidence to navigate post-secondary life and plan for their future.
Why This Program Matters: Helping Students Prepare for What’s Next
For many high school students, the idea of college or university feels out of reach. Some may not know what options exist in Canada, others may not have a network to guide them, and many simply feel unsure about how to begin the process. Pumped for Post-Secondary (PFPS) helps students in Grades 9-12, especially those in grade 11 or 12, explore life after high school with confidence. Through mentorship, campus-based activities, and hands-on workshops, PFPS encourages youth to see themselves in post-secondary spaces while developing both academic and early-job readiness skills needed for success beyond high school.
How It Works: A Year of Mentorship and Exploration
Running from January to March, PFPS brings high school mentees and post-secondary mentors together in a group setting for 11 sessions hosted right on campus and facilited by Big Sisters staff. Each session is designed to spark curiosity and build practical skills: campus tours, mock lectures, a day in the life of a post-secondary student, financial literacy, resume workshops and even speed mentoring. Students get a first-hand look at different student services like counselling, financial aid, accessibility, and wellness resources. Mentors guide students through the sessions using their own lived experiences, in turn, helping youth feel comfortable navigating campus environments and envisioning themselves as future post-secondary students.
Key Benefits for Youth:
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Boosted confidence navigating post-secondary life
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Stronger independence and responsibility
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Access to mentors and new networks
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Practical skills for school, career, and life
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Clearer vision for the future after high school
What It Means to Be a PFPS Mentor
PFPS mentors are current college or university students who want to give back without a heavy time commitment. With staff facilitating every session, mentors focus on building connections with mentees—sharing what student life is really like, offering encouragement, and answering questions. Along the way, mentors also gain leadership skills, resume-building experience, and a professional reference after completing the program.
The Impact of PFPS: Why Your Support Matters
By the end of the program, students don’t just know about post-secondary—they’ve lived it. They leave with stronger networks, greater independence, and a clear sense of what’s possible. Mentors feel pride in guiding the next generation, while schools and partners see the tangible benefits of building bridges between high school and higher education. Feedback and evaluations are collected every year to improve the program and highlight its impact.
How to Get Involved
High school students in Grades 9–12 can join PFPS by applying online through one of the six participating sites. For those interested in mentoring, the process is simple: mentors complete a criminal record check, an on-campus interview, and a short onboarding process supported by program staff. Colleges and universities can also get involved by becoming partner host sites—offering program space, co-developing workshops, and showcasing unique aspects of their campus such as drama programs, hands-on labs, or student life services.
Become a Volunteer Mentor - Pre-application*
Initial interest sign up on 'become a mentor' page
Whether you’re a student, a post-secondary mentor, or an institution wanting to partner, PFPS is your chance to open doors. For questions or clarification, please contact info@bigsisters.bc.ca.
Our Partners
We’re grateful for the support of our partners. Together, we’re creating opportunities for students to explore, learn, and succeed in post-secondary education.
