Fun Facts and Talking Points

FUN FACTS & TALKING POINTS

BBBS is the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States

THE ELEVATOR PITCH

We believe in the power of young people. In our work, we provide access to the people and resources needed to help young people succeed throughout their lives.

Mentorship has been proven to be one of the most powerful ways to change the trajectory of a young person’s life—it has served as a positive intervention for more than 120 years.

Our mentorship programs—from our 1-to-1 caring mentoring relationships to our broader ecosystem of community programs—help equip young people with the skills, confidence, and positive relationships to empower them to reach their full potential.

AS A DATA BASED PROGRAM
WE KNOW MENTORSHIP IS GOOD FOR...

YOUNG PEOPLE

Young people have been emerging from experiences of social isolation, emotional trauma, and the consequences of facing inequitable access to key needs including food, shelter, internet access, and social-emotional support services.

One in three kids in America is growing up without a mentor—and without someone who can provide support and positive reinforcement.

In the long term, adults who’ve had a positive mentor experience greater health benefits and reduced isolation, and they live longer lives.

People who have experienced mentorship are two times more likely to be involved in and hold leadership positions in clubs and sports.

They are 41 percent less likely to engage in substance abuse.

THE ECONOMY

Mentorship plays a crucial role in bridging capital and fostering upward economic mobility. In total, we see a 20 percent increase in upward economic mobility through
expanded social networks.

On average, adults who’ve been mentored will generate between $200,000 to $500,000 in
additional earnings over a lifetime.

The U.S. would save more than $2 million by reducing juvenile crime through positive preventions like mentorship.

Workplaces save an average of $3,000 per employee by creating a more prepared, productive, and engaged workforce.

Employees who participated in mentoring programs were 49% less likely to leave, in addition to saving the company $3,000 per participant annually.

Mentoring programs produce a $3 return for every $1 invested by reducing public spending on crime, education, and social issues

SOCIETY

Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentoring is proven to increase social capital and
gives youth access to opportunity. This connection fosters upward mobility, ensuring that Littles are better positioned to succeed in life.

Mentoring builds stronger social connections across diverse groups, leading to a more connected society.

Those who’ve experienced mentorship often say that their mentor contributed significantly
to their success later in life (74 percent).

Those who’ve been mentors are more likely to continue being civically minded and community-connected even five to 10 years after mentoring.

Meaningful relationships and social connectedness at a young age make it possible for youth to grow up to be adults who make healthy choices.

Mentorship increases hopefulness and reduces depression.

WAITLIST FACTS

There are currently hundreds of kids in waiting for a Big.

The majority of them are boys.

There are many Littles who’ve been waiting for more than a year.

The greatest need for new Bigs is BIPOC males.

Every Wednesday we share a social media post about a waitlist little. Share the post to help end the wait.