Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship programs carefully match 1 child with 1 adult to develop a meaningful relationship in which the child has an opportunity to thrive as a result of the positive influence and encouragement they will receive.
Be inspired
I’ve never felt more confident and now I really can’t picture myself without my Big in my life. There is no one I would rather help guide me as a young person and I can’t wait to make more memories with my Big.
Ignite their potential
- Would your child benefit from additional adult engagement and encouragement?
- Do you know a child who is facing adversity, needs extra help with school or building self confidence?
Our goal is to provide each child the opportunity to develop a trusting and dependable relationship with an adult who serves as a positive role model. Our 1:1 matches between Bigs and Littles truly empower children to overcome adversity and achieve success while strengthening communities. Your child’s safety is extremely important to us. Big Brothers Big Sisters conducts thorough background checks, interviews and assessments, and provides training and match guidelines to every volunteer mentor in our program. Every relationship is closely monitored and supported by a professionally trained match coordinator
Find out how Big Brothers Big Sisters can benefit a child in your life.
Learn More
Be an inspiration
I wanted to find a way I could truly make a difference. This program has been more inspiring and rewarding than I could have imagined, as it has given me the opportunity to connect and grow alongside a child and their family. The joy I get from watching my Little grow up confident and happy is beyond priceless.
Empower their future
- Are you looking to make a positive impact in your community?
- Do you want to share your experiences and passions with others?
BBBS provides each volunteer Big the opportunity to support individuals in their community and develop a 1:1 relationship with a child in a way that inspires them and develops their confidence to achieve their greatest potential. Each match is supported by a dedicated Match Support Specialist who is always there to provide resources and support specific to the Little’s age. As a Big, you empower a child to grow in their self-esteem, earn better grades, and strengthen their relationships with family and friends.
Ready to make a difference? take the next step to become a Big.
Learn MoreLearn More About Us
Please confirm your interest and complete the corresponding form below. Once your form is submitted, a Big Brothers Big Sisters representative will contact you.
FAQs
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?
We believe every child needs someone in their corner. Someone who believes in their potential and is their biggest fan. Someone willing to show up for them. Mentors (or “Bigs”) can be that person. Research shows that a child who has a mentor tends to do better socially and emotionally, make improvements at school, avoid risky behaviors, and form a brighter vision for their future. At Big Brothers Big Sisters (“BBBS”) we focus all of our time and resources on connecting youth wanting mentors with safe, trained, and committed volunteers willing to show up for them.
What types of mentoring programs are offered?
Big Brothers Big Sisters provides mentoring in communities across the state of Texas. While each local community’s agency might offer a different menu of mentoring program options, every one centers on one-to-one mentoring relationships. Some of these involve the Big taking their Little out into the community to enjoy activities together. Other mentoring relationships meet solely at the child’s school during the school day or at an after-school program facility. Some BBBS agencies offer online meeting opportunities, as well. All programs request consistent contact between the mentor and mentee—ideally once a week (at least twice a month) for at least one year.
How does it work for youth?
Once youth applications and parent consent are received, a Big Brothers Big Sisters professional will reach out to answer specific questions and set up interviews. All youth are interviewed by BBBS, and parents/guardians will be interviewed when seeking a “Community Based” program for their child. (“School-Based” programs don’t require parent/guardian interviews, but their active engagement in their child’s mentoring relationship with a Big is encouraged.) The interview is used to gauge an understanding of and commitment to “mentoring,” as well as to gather the information that will help guide staff in matching the child with a volunteer mentor. Once a mentor is identified for the youth and everyone agrees to the “match,” the mentoring relationship is officially introduced, and ongoing match support is provided.
How does it work for volunteers?
Once a volunteer submits their application, a Big Brothers Big Sisters professional will reach out to answer questions and set up an interview. The interview serves to explore the volunteer’s understanding of mentoring and ability to commit to the program, learn about their personal interests and experiences that will inform the selection of their “Little,” and vet them for safety. Additionally, BBBS completes layered, national background checks on all volunteer mentors. Once the enrollment process and all pre-match training are completed and a potential mentee is identified, the volunteer is given the opportunity to “accept” the recommendation, enabling the match to meet for the first time.
Who are our Bigs?
“Bigs” (or “Mentors”) are adult volunteers who have voiced a desire to engage in a one-to-one mentoring relationship and a willingness to commit to the match relationship for at least one full year. In most cases, mentors must be at least 18 years old, though some BBBS agencies across the state have specific programs that empower high school Juniors and Seniors to serve as volunteer Bigs. Bigs are as varied as the Littles in our program, representing the full diversity of our state and country.
Who are our Littles?
“Littles” (or “Mentees”) are youth, starting as young as 5-7 years old, who have expressed a desire to have a Big and are willing to commit to making a mentoring relationship fun and effective. Big Brothers Big Sisters sees value in every child and teen having a Big, though youth in the program often present a wide range of special circumstances that indicate the added value a mentor could bring. Youth are most often referred for the Community Based program by a parent or guardian, though faith leaders, counselors and others can help guide them and their parents to apply. School teachers and counselors typically refer youth for the various school-based program partnerships that exist between BBBS and selected schools across the state. Once a youth is matched with their mentor, they are encouraged to remain in the program until they turn 18 or graduate from high school—whichever comes last. Some of the state’s BBBS agencies enable matches to remain open after high school graduation should everyone desire BBBS support while the young adult transitions into their post-secondary plan.