Our Impact
A mentor holds aspirations, provides friendship, and supports positive youth development “one child at a time.”
Today’s youth in Central California are subject to social pressures that can result in:
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- School drop-outs and low educational attainment
- Teen pregnancy
- Gang participation
Mentoring provides protective factors that can help youth avoid getting caught up in these social epidemics. National research shows that Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentored as compared to peers were:
- 52% less likely to skip school
- 58% get higher grades
- 46% less likely to begin using drugs
- 27% less likely to use alcohol
- 56% improved relationships with peers
Local annual evaluations of our Littles in 2009 show:
- 80% improved classroom behavior
- 78% improved in academic performance
- 81% improved relationships with peers
- 90% experienced a boost in self-confidence
Mentoring is cost effective. About $1,400 a year supports a match (not including fundraising costs). This compares to $30,000 for a youth in in-patient drug or alcohol treatment or as much as $80,000 for a teen in the California Youth Authority.
A 2009 national study by Harris Interactive shows that as adults, children who were involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program were more likely to have 4 year degrees, earn household incomes of $75,000 or greater and volunteer and donate in their communities.
To see the full study, click here
Mentoring works. Transforming a community one child at a time.
