Our Purpose Sparking Brighter Futures
We believe that one of the most powerful ways to change the trajectory of a young person’s life is a consistent relationship with a positive, caring adult mentor.
Our Mission
To create and support mentoring relationships that help all young people reach their potential.
Our Vision
We see a future where all young people are empowered with a plan for their future and a mentor whose impact lasts a lifetime.
Our Values
Access
We believe every young person deserves a mentor who sees them, listens to them, and stands in their corner. No matter a young person’s background, experiences, or circumstances, we meet them where they are and ensure they feel valued, heard, and supported.
Belonging
We create spaces where young people feel safe and seen. We nurture a sense of belonging that allows youth to show up as their full selves, building trust, resilience, and confidence along the way. Safety and well-being—emotional and physical—are central to everything we do.
Opportunity
We open doors. We walk beside youth as they explore new paths, develop new skills, and imagine what's possible. Through mentorship, we help young people grow into leaders, learners, and changemakers.
Our Impact
Mentorship works, and we have the data to prove it.
Youth in BBBS programs are:
- 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
- 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
- 52% less likely to skip school
- 33% less likely to engage in physical altercations
Long-term impact:
- 20% more likely to enroll in college
- 15% higher lifetime earnings
- BBBS mentorship helps close two-thirds of the economic opportunity gap
Our History
For more than a century, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been creating life-changing friendships between caring adult mentors and youth across the country. It all started in 1904 with a New York City court clerk named Ernest Coulter who saw the difference a mentor could make in the lives of boys in the justice system. Around the same time, a group of women later known as the Catholic Big Sisters began mentoring girls.
In 1977, these efforts came together to form Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Today, we operate nationwide, still grounded in the same belief: mentorship can change lives and change futures.
Our Leadership
Under the leadership of President & CEO Artis Stevens, and BBBSA’s national board, we’re expanding access to mentorship and deepening our impact. From group mentoring and workforce development to mental health and well-being, our vision is bold and inclusive.
We’re building a national movement supported by mentors, alumni, staff, families, and partners, who are committed to ensuring that all youth have the relationships and resources they need to succeed.
