This program began in 2000 to replace the HISD-sponsored HOSTS program that was canceled when its funding ceased. The Bigs in Schools Program is offered at five school campuses in Hereford for a total of six separate programs each week. It is open to children in grades 1-5 who are referred by their teacher, principal, counselor, or other HISD administrator. Children in this program are matched with a Big who provides friendship and consistency and meets with them at the school for approximately one hour a week. Matches have lunch together and share in the pursuit of academic and positive character development activities. Matches meet from October through mid-May in the schools, correspond during the summer through the Pen Pals Program, and, if possible, continue to meet again in the fall when the new school year begins.