 Proven Effective
In 1995, the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) mentoring
approach drew critical attention as an effective
prevention model and helped bring the power of
mentoring to the attention of the nation. A
landmark study
conducted
by an independent research firm, Public Private
Ventures, found that participation in BBBS mentoring
programs dramatically reduced the onset of
drug/alcohol use and delinquent behaviors among youth.
 The study concluded that
children matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister for a
year or more were
- 46% less likely to
start using drugs,
- 27% less likely to
start drinking,
- 52% less likely to
skip a day of school
- 33% less likely to hit
someone
(as compared to waiting
list peers).
A
follow-up study (1999) examined the effectiveness of BBBS
school-based mentoring approach and again found success.
The majority of children matched with BBBS mentors
improved their grades, attitudes towards school, and their
relationships with peers and teachers.
Evaluation of Local
Program
Our
programs in Hancock & Washington Counties are evaluated
annually. The results of our
2001 program evaluation
found that local children matched with Big Brothers or Big
Sisters for a year or more are:
-
Doing
better in school …......49%
-
Not
using drugs or alcohol…..……98%
-
More
confident…………70%
-
More
positive about their futures…50%
-
Improving their Relationships……………49%
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