Our Impact
Validating the positive impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters nationwide
Our Impact
Validating the positive impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters nationwide
2025 Groundbreaking Research
An Upstream Solution
A recent 4-year Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) by Arnold Ventures demonstrates that BBBS mentorship is a powerful shield against high-risk behaviors.
42%
decrease in recurring substance use.
42%
less likely to report suicidal ideation.
31%
decrease in violence related delinquent behavior.
25%
decrease in overall delinquent behavior.
Upward Economic Mobility
Grounded in 30 years of tax and census data, this landmark study, specifically on Big Brothers Big Sisters’ participants,
proves mentorship alters economic trajectories.
Mentored youth are
20%
more likely to attend college.
Alumni earn
15%
more over their lifetime compared to
un-mentored peers.
2/3
Being a Little closes two-thirds of the economic gap
A Future Built on Mentorship
The Study
The newly published 2025 “Youth Relationships Study” builds upon decades of rigorous research to examine the essential role of mentorship in a post-pandemic world. Following eight years of evaluation, including during periods of unprecedented social disruption, the research confirms that mentorship serves as critical social infrastructure. By meeting youths’ most basic developmental needs, mentorship simultaneously improves mental health, educational engagement, and long-term economic mobility.
The Results
The research found that consistent mentorship equips youth to outperform their peers across measures of resilience, emotional regulation, and behavioral outcomes.
Compared to their non-mentored peers, Littles are:
54%
less likely to be arrested.
52%
less likely to skip school.
46%
less likely to begin using illegal drugs.
27%
less likely to begin using alcohol.
The Impact
Mentorship creates cascading benefits that extend far beyond a single relationship, positively affecting families and communities while closing socioeconomic gaps.
A caring adult helps youth envision new possibilities, leading to a 28% increase in “A” grades and a 17% decline in “D” and “F” grades.
The long-term economic impacts are just as profound, with mentored youth becoming 20% more likely to enroll in college and earning an average of $200,000 more in lifetime earnings.
Delivering Value That Ripples Through Our Community
91%
of mentored youth feel an increased sense of belonging among family and peers.
86%
of youth experience reduced depressive symptoms when mentored.
95%
of mentees plan to graduate from high school.
