Getting Big by Getting a Little

EnerSys Employees Become "Bigs" and Mentor Local "Littles"  

EnerSys employees are responding to the call and embracing the EnerSys commitment to support the local community. During the past school year at Glenside Elementary School, James Cole, Lead Software Engineer, and Sravya Tottempudi, Senior Mechanical Engineer, became a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Berks County through their SMART program, which stands for “Students & Mentors Achieving Results Together.” SMART is the BBBS school-based program, which matches mentors with children to help with schoolwork and do fun activities that enhance self-esteem, socialization skills, and more. It’s one of the many mentoring opportunities and programs BBBS offers to support vulnerable youth in the area. 

Both James and Sravya were looking for ways to get more involved and integrate within their community. They found that BBBS’s SMART program was a great opportunity to give back and engage with the community by working with the youngest and most vulnerable community members.

James, reflecting on his experience as a mentor during the school year 2022/2023, said, "It was a meaningful way to spend my time." Sravya shared this sentiment, as both employees found that dedicating just one hour a week felt purposeful for them and empowering for their Littles. “We get our work done early so we can be there for our Littles, and it’s such a small-time commitment for huge returns,” said Sravya.

During their weekly sessions, James and Sravya helped their Littles with homework and encouraged creativity through activities like painting and crafting. As the school year progressed, the Littles began to open up and form meaningful connections with their mentors. Sravya fondly recounted a moment when her seven-year-old Little expressed, “I will miss you,” on the program’s final day. The SMART mentoring program goes well beyond academic achievement -- it nurtures confidence, self-esteem, and a lifelong love of learning. 

As James and Sravya continue to make a positive impact through their volunteer work with BBBS, they hope to inspire fellow EnerSys employees to get involved. The SMART Program at Glenside Elementary School is gearing up, and there are still Littles awaiting Big mentors.

If you’re a Reading-based employee and would like to sign up or learn more about the 2023 BBBS SMART program, please reach out to sustainability@enersys.com