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Three Paths, One Mission:
Empowering Youth, One Relationship at a Time

Mentorship has the power to transform lives—and at the heart of our mission are three unique models that do just that.

Whether it’s exploring the world with a caring adult, building connection and confidence through peer mentorship, or navigating the uncertain road to adulthood with steady guidance, each model of our mentoring program is designed to meet youth where they are and walk alongside them as they grow.

These models aren’t just programs—they’re lifelines and launchpads for brighter futures. Explore how each one makes a difference.

"The program helped me stay accountable during a time when everything in my life was changing. Having people who care, check in on me, and offer encouragement has been so lovely. Their positivity and support have made a huge difference."
Riley, Big Futures Fellow
“She literally makes my day. Every time I walk into the Boys and Girls Club, my Little runs up and gives me a big hug. It literally makes my whole day.”
High School Big, matched since 2024

Community Based

Through our flagship community based mentoring model, youth and their mentors develop a quality relationship where they learn life skills such as communication; decision-making, future planning, and risk avoidance techniques that help each child become a productive member of society.

Whether they are cooking a meal, shooting hoops, taking a bike ride or just talking over ice cream, quality time together is the focus of this program.

  • In 2025,  82 youth (ages 6+) matched with their own Big, explored their community, learned new things, listened to one another and created life-long bonds and memories 
  • 4-6 hours: the average number of hours Bigs & Littles spend together each month
  • 1 year: the minimum amount of time we ask for our matches to commit to
Two girls share a warm hug in a school cafeteria.

High School Bigs

High School Bigs join their assigned Little either in their classroom, during lunch period or in an after-school setting to assist with academics, social stresses and motivation for attendance.

In addition to giving Littles who need connections a mentor, this  program model provides high school students with a powerful and meaningful way to engage in their community.

  • 18 High Schoolers mentored Littles in 2025
  • Teen Bigs met their Littles at local Boys & Girls Clubs or in local elementary schools
  • Young Mentors received just as much value and belonging in their roles, as their Littles did
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Big Futures

Big Futures recognizes that the transition from high school to post-graduation life often leaves youth feeling alone and unsupported.

This time of transition, presents young people with many challenges, such as: navigating living alone, starting college or a full-time job for the first time, being away from their support system of family and friends and making life-changing decisions regarding education and vocations.

This model keeps youth in the program, matched with their Big, but changes the structure of their match to focus on goal-setting and progress check-ins to ensure they receive guidance through this challenging period. 

In 2025:

  • 19 Young adult Fellows set short & long-term goals with their mentors supporting them throughout the process
  • 8 Fellows transitioned to become a Fellow from other BBBS programs with their mentor to build a new realationship with their childhood mentor
  • 8 volunteer goals coaches led Fellows & mentors through a thoughtful process and set up accountability plans for 9-12 week goals