Become a big
Public/Private Ventures, an independent Philadelphia-based national research organization, looked at over 950 boys and girls from eight Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country selected for their large size and geographic diversity. This study is widely considered to be foundational to the mentoring field in general and to Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-Based program in particular.
Approximately half of the children were randomly chosen to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister. The others were assigned to a waiting list.
The matched children met with their Big Brothers or Big Sisters about three times a month for an average of one year.
Researchers surveyed both the matched and unmatched children, and their parents on two occasions: when they first applied for a Big Brother or Big Sister, and again 18 months later.
COMMUNITY
Community Based Mentoring
This is our traditional program. Adult mentors are paired with children aged 7-14, and matches see each other out in the community for 8 hours per month. Essentially, the activity options for Bigs and Littles are unlimited! They plan their own outings, filled with things they enjoy doing.
SITE
Adult mentors are matched one-to-one with youth and meet weekly at a specific site. We work collaboratively with local schools, after-school programs, and other sites to match youth with volunteers.
WORKPLACE
Youth and mentors meet at the mentor’s workplace, learning from successful professionals. These “Bigs in the Workplace” programs offer adult volunteers the unique chance to take a little time from their busy workdays to give back to their communities.
application steps
We provide full support from the start. Your first steps include an interview with a case manager, followed by references and background checks. Depending on which program you select, you may also have a home visit from your case manager.
From there, we want to make sure you and your Little have things in common! We work with Bigs and Littles to get an understanding of what works in terms of location, personalities, likes/dislikes, etc.
After the match happens, you’ll still receive full support from your case manager throughout the life of the match. And, anytime you have any questions or concerns, we’re here to help!