Success Outcomes

Aside from the fun and sheer magic “Bigs” and “Littles” can experience together, the measurable outcomes of the program have been documented in a 1995 independent study of Big Brothers Big Sisters programs. The nationwide study conducted by Public/Private Ventures, studied children in Big Brother or Big Sister mentoring relationships and compared them to a group of their peers without mentors. The study concluded that Little Brothers and Little Sisters were:

• 46% less likely to begin using drugs

• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol

• 52% less likely to skip school

• 37% less likely to skip a class

• A third less likely to hit someone

• Increased their confidence in school performance

• Showed better relationships with their family members

Locally, when Bigs were asked to evaluate their Littles, their responses reflect positive outcomes.

• 75% reported their Littles to be more confident

• 72% reported improvement in decision-making skills

• 55% were performing better in school

• 55% appeared to be happier in family relationships