Big Impact - Proven Results

We've always known we were making a positive impact on children and empowering them to succeed. A nationwide study confirmed it for us.

The Study


NATIONAL RESEARCH ON BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

Public/Private Ventures, an independent Philadelphia-based national research organization, looked at over 950 boys and girls from eight Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country selected for their large size and geographic diversity. This study, published in 1995, is widely considered to be foundational to the mentoring field in general and to Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-Based program in particular.

Approximately half of the children were randomly chosen to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister. The others were assigned to a waiting list. The matched children met with their Big Brothers or Big Sisters about three times a month for an average of one year.

Researchers surveyed both the matched and unmatched children, and their parents on two occasions: when they first applied for a Big Brother or Big Sister, and again 18 months later.

Measuring our Impact

PROGRAM EVALUATION

Big Brothers Big Sisters remains committed to data-driven appraisal and improvement of our programming. Our evaluation utilizes the evidence-based Outcomes Evaluation System  from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, a system of rigorous tools and insights developed in conjunction with leading experts in the field of youth development. Our outcomes and impacts are monitored through four core components:

  • The Youth Outcomes Survey and the Child Outcomes Survey are scientifically proven evaluation tools that measure outcomes by using a pre- and post-test methodology. These are designed to track outcomes in the following areas: educational expectations, school connectedness, emotion regulation, social competence, family connectedness, depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, goal setting, positive behaviors, risky behaviors, and the presence of very important adults.
  • The Strength of Relationship Survey measures the strength and quality of the connection between youth and volunteer mentors. Results direct staff to provide additional support and guidance to mentoring matches as needed.
  • Risk and Protective Inventory assesses the scope of needs and strengths of youth and families related to risk and protective factors. It was designed to assist agency staff in developing a strategy for intentionally addressing the needs of each child. Through use of this tool, agencies have learned more about the youth and families that they serve, revealing the need for wraparound services and other targeted programming.
  • Professional Case Management by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff who contact each youth, parent/guardian, and volunteer mentor (monthly in the first year of a mentoring match and quarterly thereafter) to discuss healthy relationship development, goal setting, individualized coaching, access to resources, and ensure youth safety and well-being. 
 

Sources for Statewide and Comparative Data

The following are sources for the statewide and comparative data outlined in our 2024 Annual Report to the Community:

THE NEED

Youth Mental Health

Mentoring & Mental Health. (2021). Mentoring.org.

Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey. (2023). Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Academic Achievement in Relation to Risky Behaviors

Mentoring & Educational Outcomes. (2021). Mentoring.org.

Milwaukee by the Numbers. (2024). City Forward Collective.

Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey. (2023). Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Youth Risk Behavior Survey – High School. (Spring 2023). Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS).

Comparative Data

In Metro Milwaukee, there is a significant need for youth mentoring services that help keep youth out of the juvenile justice system and promote economic prosperity. We believe that every youth has incredible potential- and that mentorship can help unlock it. The numbers prove it. Read below to see how the youth of BBBS compare to their peers who may not have a mentor in their life.

*Note: This comparative data is updated annually in Spring with the publication of annual school district statistics and the YRBS. Check back regularly for outcome updates.

Educational Success and Post-secondary Readiness

 

Mental Health and Social Connection

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee (BBBMM) youth are outperforming their peers in local school districts when it comes to school engagement. While only 51.5% (avg) of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS)  students report feeling connected to their school, a remarkable 73% of BBBSMM youth say they feel strongly connected to theirs. This sense of belonging is a key factor in long-term academic and personal success.

 

 

Additionally, 83%  of BBBSMM youth maintained or improved their grades- outpacing their peers in both Milwaukee and Waukesha public school districts.

Personal Behavior and Prevention

The presence of a trusted mentor helps BBBSMM youth make safer, healthier decisions. Just 2% of BBBSMM youth reported engaging in substance use, compared to 17.5% (avg) of MPS students and 20% (avg) of School District of Waukesha (SDW) students.

 

Healthy and Resilient Connections

Strong relationships are at the heart of personal growth. At BBBSMM, we help youth build the social-emotional skills they need to thrive- skills that often develop through trusted, long-term mentorship.

    • 94% of BBBS youth report improving social acceptance and peer relationships outside of their immediate family.
    • Similarly, 84% of BBBS youth say they have an important adult in their life they can trust, compared to 80% (avg) of Waukesha students and 74% (avg) of MPS youth.

 

Economic Mobility

A recent National study by Harvard University (Bell et. al., 2024) examined the long-term, nationwide impact of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program. The findings demonstrate that mentoring relationships formed through the organization have enduring, positive effects on the lives of youth.

    • College enrollment: Littles are 20% more likely than their non-mentored peers to enroll in college after high school graduation, contributing to reduced poverty, greater economic stability, and stronger communities. In Metro Milwaukee, we can see this impact directly:

    • Economic mobility: Littles entering the workforce can expect to earn more than their non-mentored peers, with an average of 15% higher income between the ages of 20 and 25. This is approximately $6,000 more in income per year.
    • Closing socioeconomic gap: Many of our mentors have greater socio-economic opportunities than the Littles they work with. Mentorship closes two-thirds of the socio-economic gap for Littles compared with non-mentored young people. Their income as adults aligns more closely with their mentors than with their family of origin, demonstrating the power of mentorship to build social capital and foster upward mobility.

 


These comparisons highlight what we see every day: mentorship helps young people feel more connected, more supported, and more prepared to face life’s challenges with confidence.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Whether you get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a donor, potential Big Brother or Big Sister, partner, advocate, or family member, you have the power to change a child's future for the better.

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