Mentoring Programs
Who We Serve
At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we are committed to empowering young people facing a range of challenges, including growing up in single-parent households, experiencing poverty, dealing with parental incarceration, facing discrimination, or navigating other life difficulties. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and through our one-to-one mentorship programs, we create lasting, positive relationships that help guide and support them. By carefully matching each young person with a mentor—someone who can be a positive role model and source of encouragement—we help them build confidence, achieve goals, and thrive. These efforts are possible thanks to the dedication of our community, including donors, partners, and advocates across New Jersey, who provide the resources to make these powerful connections happens.
Our Programs
To accommodate the diverse needs and schedules of our youth and volunteers, Big Brothers Big Sisters offers both community and school-based mentoring programs.
Community–Based Mentoring
Community–based mentoring is all about building meaningful, one-to-one connections. Bigs and Littles spend time together doing activities they both enjoy, whether it’s playing a game, going for a walk, or just chatting. Meetings are flexible, typically 4-6 hours a month, and can be scheduled on evenings, weekends, or after school to fit busy schedules. A few hours a month can make a lasting impact on both lives.
School–Based Mentoring
School–based mentoring emphasizes building friendships, not tutoring. Bigs and Littles meet once a week at schools, libraries, community centers, corporate offices, or college campuses for fun, conversation, and support. While some kids may discuss school or homework, the primary goal is to foster a trusting relationship and offer guidance. This program is ideal for volunteers with busy schedules, companies seeking meaningful volunteer opportunities for employees, or colleges and universities looking to create enriching experiences for students. Educators often observe the positive impact, with students returning to class more confident and ready to succeed.
Each agency in the New Jersey State Association of Big Brothers Big Sisters runs their programs independently, visit the website of the agency in your county to learn more.
The Impact: Mentorship Pays Big Dividends
- BBBS Littles are 20% more likely to enroll in college
- BBBS Littles earn 15% more over their lifetime
- Being a BBBS Little closes 2/3 of the economic gap
Groundbreaking research from a longitudinal economic study titled The Long-Term Impacts of Mentors: Evidence from Experimental and Administrative Data, confirms that mentoring delivers real, measurable economic outcomes.