Impacting our schools

Public/Private Ventures recently studied the impact of our School-Based Mentoring program on the academic achievement of our Littles. More than three years of preparation and hard work went into the issuing of “Making a Difference in Schools: The Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based Mentoring Impact Study.” Among the findings:

Our Littles showed improvement in:

  • Overall academic performance: specifically, science and written and oral language
  • Quality of class work
  • Number of assigments turned in (homework and in-class)
  • Serious school infractions (principal’s office visits, fighting, suspensions)

Our Littles reported:

  • Scholastic efficacy (feeling more competent academically)
  • Improvement in skipping school (confirmed by teachers)

About the Littles

  • 80% received free or reduced-price lunch and/or were living with only one parent
  • 77% were having difficulties in one or more of four assessed areas of risk (academic performance, school behavior, relationships and youth-reported misconduct)
  • Click here to read more about our School-Based Mentoring study. (link opens in a new window)

Our local survey

Further evidence of our impact in Houston’s schools comes from a survey of School-Based Littles, their parents, their teachers, and their Bigs who were involved with BBBS between August 2006 and May of 2007.

Our Littles:

  • 65% reported they liked school more than before they had a Big
  • 94% reported being comfortable talking with their Bigs
  • 81% reported feeling special when they were with their Big

Most reported talking as their top activity (70%), followed by playing life skills games (60%) and school work (44%)

Their Parents:

  • 85% reported their child enjoyed spending time with their Big
  • 87% reported their child’s Big is a good role model
  • 68% reported improvements in their child’s academic performance and attitude toward school
  • 76% reported an improvement in their child’s sense of the future
  • 83% reported they talk with their child more about life

Teachers:

  • 87% reported improvements in Littles‘ academic performance
  • 93% reported improvements in Littles’ attitudes toward school
  • 100% reported that Littles enjoyed time spent with Bigs
  • 88% reported that the Bigs are positive role models
  • 81% saw improvements in students’ self confidence
  • 75% saw improvements in test taking and study skills

Please call to see if we’re in a school near you: (713) 271-5683.