There are various initiatives run by BBBSLI that are created and curated to facilitate the development of young individuals. We are dedicated to our cause of creating wonderful lives for our mentees or Littles. From providing financial assistance to helping Littles navigate the various challenges of life, we try our best to create a strong foundation for them to grow on.
We have multiple programs that cater to different types of needs of young individuals. We have programs that are directed towards providing career development and academic assistance. Throughout the years, our programs have been extremely beneficial for both Bigs and Littles.
BBBSLI Youth Mentorship Programs
At BBBSLI, we believe in their potential and work towards helping them achieve it. We carefully choose our Bigs and match them with Littles to ensure that the most productive and positive results are achieved. We have different types of programs to ensure young individuals are getting the guidance they need. These programs are curated to help youth build trusted relationships with individuals who can genuinely help them with the challenges in their lives. Some of our programs include:
- One-on-One Match
- Sibling Support
- BIG Couples
- Site-Based Mentoring
- Bigs in Blue
- Sports Buddies
Impact of BBBSLI in Numbers
The efforts of BBBSLI have been consistent, and we are working fully in tandem with our mission of mentoring youth for a better future. In 2022 and 2023, we have seen many positive results that have encouraged us in our pursuit. BBBSLI youth mentorship programs have helped many young individuals and have created a positive impact in their lives.
Better Academic Performance
During 2022 and 2023, our Littles benefitted greatly from the mentorship Bigs provided. Not only were they encouraged to become more participative, but also, they were less likely to drop out of school. All of our Littles graduated, and none were retained, which is a great achievement considering the situation such Littles were involved in.
- 100% of Littles graduated from High school.
- No Littles were retained.
- None of the Littles became involved with Juvenile Justice.
Improvements in School
Many Littles experienced improvements in school. From their grades to overall behavior, there were many benefits that Littles derived from their times with the Bigs. There were many Littles who decided against dropping out of school because of the encouragement their Bigs provided. The results of our youth mentorship programs were truly astonishing.
- 92% of Littles improved or maintained school grades.
- 52% of Littles agreed their Big kept them from dropping out of high school.
- 77% of Littles said they are doing better in school because of their Big.
- 96% of Littles improved or maintained the expectations of the school.
Reduction in Risky Behaviour
Young individuals who come from disadvantaged backgrounds often face issues with authority figures. It is relatively more common for them to get involved in risky behaviors. This is an issue of concern because it might lead to future problems for them. At BBBSLI, we aim to reduce the risky behavior of our Littles with the help of our Bigs. We witnessed excellent results of our mentorship programs in relation to the reduction of risky behaviors in youth.
- All Littles avoided police and juvenile contact.
- 93% of youth reduced or continued to avoid risky behaviors, such as bullying.
- 56% of Littles were less likely to start using drugs.
Key Takeaways
Mentorship certainly plays a vital role in the lives of mentees. For young individuals who come from a disadvantaged background, it is common to stray from the path. BBBSLI believes that everyone deserves a chance to better their life, and we work hard towards ensuring that one gets that chance. The positive results we achieve are a direct reflection of our efforts and encourage us to work harder towards the betterment of youth in the Long Island area.
