Our Impact

A Future Built on MentorshipWhy Mentoring Is the Essential Infrastructure Our Future Needs Now.
A future where every young person has a mentor is possible. Building it will require leadership, investment and a shared commitment to strengthening the human connections our communities need.
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Our Impact Supports Youth Where It Matters Most

• BBBS Littles are 20% more likely to enroll in college.
• BBBS Littles earn 15% more over their lifetime.
• Being a BBBS Little closes two-thirds of the economic gap.

Being a Little Has a BIG ImpactWhen compared with youth not participating in BBBS programs, Littles were:

• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school
• 37% less likely to skip a class
• 33% less likely to hit someone

Positive Impact on Young PeopleResearchers found that after 18 months of spending time with their Bigs, Little Brothers and Little Sisters, compared with children not participating in the program, were:

• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 26% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school
• 37% less likely to skip a class
• 33% less likely to hit someone

Impact on Self-ConfidenceOne-to-one attention from a caring adult role model is an important part of developing self-confidence, and research shows that Bigs help Littles feel more confident:

• Despite the barriers they face, 94% of Littles said they have a lot of confidence or some confidence that they will achieve their goals.
• 93% of Littles said having adults who care about and look out for them is very important to helping them achieve their goals.
• 80% of Littles said they feel their Bigs help them a lot.

Our Impact on EducationOur impact on education is evident in research conducted by Public/Private Ventures and published in 1995. When comparing children matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister with children waiting to be served, researchers found:

• Littles skipped half as many days of school as their peers.
• Littles felt more competent about doing schoolwork.
• Littles skipped fewer classes than their peers.
• Children who are in school, in class and engaged in their work are more likely to succeed.

Our Statistics

• 100% of the Littles in our program graduate from high school.
• 70% enroll in college, including community colleges and four-year institutions.
• 30% enroll in vocational training programs or enlist in military service.

Our Bigs tell us that mentoring has changed their lives and that developing a lifelong friendship with their Little is one of the most rewarding experiences they have created for themselves.
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Our families indicate that having a mentor for their children improves family life and strengthens their children’s futures.