Our Impact

Big Brothers Big Sisters Makes a Difference

Researchers found that after 18 months of spending time with their Bigs, the Little Brothers and Little Sisters were:

46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
27% less likely to begin using alcohol
52% less likely to skip school
37% less likely to skip a class
more confident of their performance in schoolwork
one-third less likely to hit someone
getting along better with their families

Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers had the greatest impact in the area of alcohol and substance abuse prevention. For every 100 youth between ages 10 and 16 who start using drugs, the study found, only 54 similar youth who are matched with a Big will start using drugs. Minority boys and girls were the most strongly influenced; they were 70 percent less likely than their peers to initiate drug use.

“We have known all along that Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mentoring has a long-lasting, positive effect on children’s confidence, grades, and social skills,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters’ President and CEO, “and the results of this impact study scientifically confirm that belief.”

“These dramatic findings are very good news, particularly at a time when many people contend that ‘nothing works’ in reaching teenagers. This program suggests a strategy the country can build on to make a difference, especially for youth in single-parent families.”