Why Mentoring Matters
The National Scientific Council on the Developing Child has identified the single most critical factor in whether a child grows up successfully: having a strong, positive, consistent, and caring adult in their life.
Youth mentoring relationships can fundamentally change the trajectory of a young person’s life—guiding them away from risky and violent behaviors and toward productive, sustainable opportunities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes mentoring as one of four strategies with the greatest promise for preventing youth violence, citing its proven ability to reduce risk factors and strengthen protective factors such as school engagement and positive social behavior.
Yet, one in three young people grows up without access to a mentor. This lack of connection is a root cause of many challenges young people face. Children need supportive, caring adults to help them navigate obstacles and reach their full potential.
Source: MENTOR, The National Mentoring Partnership, The Mentoring Effect
Our Impact Across South Texas
With the support of thousands of volunteers across South Texas, Big Brothers Big Sisters delivers measurable, lasting outcomes for youth and families. Decades of national and local research demonstrate the effectiveness of BBBS programs in building critical developmental assets and improving life outcomes for young people facing adversity.
Educational Success
- 98% of youth in the Amachi program for children of incarcerated parents were consistently promoted to the next grade over the past decade.
(Texas Education Agency, 2018) - In a seven-year workplace mentoring partnership with the U.S. Department of Education and SAISD:
- 98% of youth graduated high school
- 81% enrolled in college
- 63% pursued a STEM major
(2016)
- A University of Texas longitudinal study found 87% of youth in community-based mentoring graduated high school or earned a GED.
(2005; study ongoing through 2016)
Violence and Delinquency Prevention
- Fewer than 5% of youth in a three-year “Second Chance” delinquency prevention program were re-referred to the juvenile justice system.
(U.S. Department of Labor, 2016) - In 1995, Public/Private Ventures found youth matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister were:
- 46% less likely to begin using drugs
- 27% less likely to begin drinking
- 52% less likely to skip school
- 33% less likely to engage in violent behavior
- This study was repeated in 2025 affirming these outcomes persist in the 21st century
Academic Engagement and Long-Term Outcomes
- A Harris Interactive study found:
- Over 50% of former Littles said their Big kept them from dropping out of school
- 77% performed better academically
- 65% reached a higher level of education than they believed possible
(2009)
- Public/Private Ventures reported improvements in eight academic areas for youth in school-based mentoring, including overall performance, science achievement, quality of classwork, and reduced serious school infractions.
(2007)
Family and Parent Outcomes
Parents participating in BBBS programs report:
- Reduced stress and improved ability to manage challenges
- Increased social connections and support
- Greater knowledge of child development
In a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services–funded program:
- 77% of parents reported improved parenting skills
- 84% experienced reduced stress
- 85% said the program helped their family reach important goals
(2010)
mentoring programs for san antonio volunteers