With the help of our donors, volunteers and partners, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes a Big impact on children’s education. The effect has been confirmed by study after study and can be tracked and monitored using our best-in-class measurement tools.
Our landmark study
Our impact on education is evident in research conducted by Public/Private Ventures and published in 1995. When comparing children matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister to those waiting to be served by Big Brothers Big Sisters, these researchers found that:
- Littles skipped half as many school days than their peers
- Littles skipped fewer classes than their peers
- Littles felt more competent about doing schoolwork
Children who are in school, in class, and engaged in their work are more likely to succeed.
What our current Littles say
Our impact on education is confirmed by those closest to it: our Littles. In a 2009, we commissioned industry leader Civic Enterprises to conduct a nationwide survey of our Bigs and Littles. Of those children surveyed,
- 7% of Littles said working hard in school is very important
- Littles were 27% less likely to start using alcohol
- 65% agreed their Big helped them reach a higher level of education that they thought possible
Children who work hard, recognize the value of education, and set a goal of going to college are more likely to succeed.
What our alumni say
Our impact on education is felt long after Littles graduate from high school. In 2009, Harris Interactive conducted an online survey of alumni Littles from across the nation. Among those former Littles:
- 77% said they are doing better in school because of their Big
- 52% agreed their Big kept them from dropping out of high school
- 65% agreed their Big helped them reach a higher level of education that they thought possible