# Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to "create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth". Adult volunteers are matched with children from age 5 to young adulthood. It was founded by Ernest Kent Coulter.
As one of the oldest and largest youth mentoring organizations in the United States, BBBSA provides guidance, resources, and support to its network of local BBBS agencies.
Local Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Agencies
Local BBBS agencies operate under the umbrella of BBBSA, implementing mentoring programs in their respective communities. These agencies match adult volunteers (Bigs) with children (Littles) ages 5 through young adulthood. The specific age range of children and youth served may vary by affiliate.
The mentoring programs offered by local BBBS agencies are designed to help children reach their full potential and thrive in various aspects of their lives, including education, social skills, and personal development.

## Congressional charter

The group holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code.

## Impact

Public/Private Ventures, an independent Philadelphia-based national research organization, conducted a study from 1994 to 1995, monitoring 950 boys and girls nationwide to study the effects of Big Brothers Big Sisters. CEO Karen J. Mathis reported that the study found favorable outcomes to the organization.
Public/Private Ventures conducted another study in 2011 that evaluated the school-based Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. This program also found favorable outcomes.
In 2025, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America released a comprehensive study conducted in collaboration with researchers from Harvard University and the U.S. Department of Treasury, examining the long-term effects of their mentorship programs. The study, which analyzed three decades of data, demonstrated significant positive outcomes across educational, economic, and social dimensions.
Economic Impact
The research revealed substantial economic benefits for mentored youth. Participants showed a 15% increase in earnings between ages 20-25. Additionally, the adult income of mentored youth aligned more closely with their mentor's income than their family's income, reducing the socioeconomic gap by approximately two-thirds. The program demonstrated cost-effectiveness, with government investment recovery occurring within seven years through increased lifetime earnings and related tax revenue. The annual program costs ranged from $2,000 to $3,000 per youth annually.
Educational Outcomes
The study found notable improvements in educational achievement. Mentored youth showed 20% higher college attendance rates compared to non-mentored peers. Additionally, within 18 months of program participation, mentored youth demonstrated reduced absenteeism and fewer school suspensions.
Social Impact
The research identified several positive social outcomes. Participants showed improved behavioral patterns and stronger social bonds. Mentored youth exhibited reduced dependency on social services. Additionally, the program demonstrated effectiveness as a scalable solution for reducing socioeconomic disparities without requiring complete environmental change
Research Methodology
The 2025 study built upon a 1991 randomized control trial conducted by Public/Private Ventures and Mathematica Policy Research. The research methodology involved. The research methodology involved analyzing participants aged 10-14 who applied to BBBSA’s community-based mentoring program in the early 1990s. The demographic composition included 60% male participants and over 50% racial minorities. Data collection combined BBBS administrative records with U.S. tax records, and the study period extended into the 2020s, providing long-term impact assessment. This research represented the first major study to identify community mentorship as a cost-effective intervention for improving socioeconomic mobility without requiring complete environmental change.

## History

The Founding Years (1904–1948)
The Big Brothers movement began in 1904 when Ernest Coulter, a clerk at the New York Children's Court, noticed an increasing number of young boys appearing before the court. Concerned by this trend, Coulter theorized that providing positive adult mentorship could help prevent youth delinquency. He began recruiting volunteers from local civic organizations to serve as mentors to these boys, leading to the establishment of Big Brothers of New York City. Around the same time as Coulter's initiative, a similar effort focused on young women emerged. The Catholic Ladies of Charity, addressing concerns about girls in the New York court system, established the Catholic Big Sisters organization. This group developed structured mentoring programs aimed at supporting young women through positive female role models. In Cincinnati, businessman Irvin F. Westheimer independently introduced a mentoring initiative after noticing a young boy searching for food near his office. Rather than offering temporary assistance, Westheimer formed an ongoing mentorship with the child, leading him to recognize the broader need for structured guidance.
Encouraging other businessmen to take part, he helped demonstrate that the mentorship model could be implemented beyond New York City. By 1912, Big Brothers programs had expanded to 26 cities across the United States. The movement's growth was further supported by endorsements from public figures, including Theodore Roosevelt Jr., President Calvin Coolidge, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who recognized mentorship as a valuable support system for youth. In 1948, artist Norman Rockwell created an illustration for the Big Brothers Association, contributing to the organization’s public identity. Rockwell's depiction helped raise awareness of the mentorship movement and reinforced its mission of fostering positive relationships between mentors and youth.

## Growth and Unification (1951–2003)

The 1950s marked a period of formal recognition for the organization's impact. In 1951, the Big Brothers of the Year program was established to honor outstanding mentors, with recipients including Supreme Court Justice Tom Clark and FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. A major milestone followed in 1958 when Congress granted a federal charter to the Big Brothers Association. In 1970, Big Sisters International was incorporated, and in 1977, the two organizations merged to form Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The 1980s saw further institutional growth, including the establishment of a national headquarters in Philadelphia and recognition through a U.S. postal stamp. In 1995, a landmark study provided empirical evidence of the positive impact of mentoring on youth development. The organization's influence expanded through the late 1990s and early 2000s, with increased government support and international growth. In 2003, President George W. Bush highlighted the importance of mentoring by announcing a major national initiative, further solidifying the organization's role in youth development efforts.

## Modernization and Innovation (2004–2020)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) marked its centennial in 2004, entering a period of expanded outreach and public engagement. In 2006, First Lady Laura Bushpublicly supported the organization’s mission, continuing a legacy of presidential recognition. A 2007 Super Bowl PSA featuring competing coaches significantly increased national awareness of the program. In 2011, BBBSA received the American Institute of Philanthropy’s highest rating, an A+, and Philanthropedia ranked it as the #1 nonprofit for at-risk youth. The following year, in 2012, BBBSA released its first nationwide Youth Outcomes Survey, providing data on the program’s impact across multiple areas of child development. In 2013, BBBSA faced scrutiny following an audit by the U.S. Department of Justice, which found the organization in material non-compliance with several grant requirements. The audit led to the freezing of grant disbursements and questioned $19,462,448 in funding, recommending that $3,714,838 in undisbursed funds be redirected. As a result, BBBSA implemented significant reforms, including replacing its management team and introducing stricter financial oversight policies. In a settlement with the Justice Department, the organization paid $1.6 million and agreed to enhanced compliance measures, including regular audits, a compliance team, an employee code of conduct, whistleblower protections, and disciplinary policies for financial misconduct. The claims resolved by this settlement were allegations only, with no determination of liability. In 2015, BBBSA relocated its national headquarters to Tampa, Florida, positioning itself for future growth and program expansion. The organization continues to evolve, focusing on research-driven mentoring models and strategic partnerships to support positive youth development. BBBSA and many of its affiliates remain partnered with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

## New Leadership and Future Vision (2020–Present)

In November 2020, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) appointed Artis Stevens as its first Black CEO, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history. Stevens brought extensive experience from leadership roles at Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the National 4-H Council, and the Atlanta Public Housing Agency. His background, growing up as the youngest of eight children in Brunswick, Georgia, has shaped his approach to expanding mentorship opportunities for youth nationwide. Under Stevens’ leadership, BBBSA has focused on addressing key challenges, including a waitlist of over 30,000 children, the majority of whom are boys of color, seeking mentorship. His tenure has emphasized expanding access to mentorship, strengthening community partnerships, and adapting the organization’s services to meet the evolving needs of young people.