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 (OES) 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 (YOS) and the Child Outcomes Survey (COS) 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 (SOR) 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 (RPI) 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 the RPI, 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 protection 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).
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.