Independent studies have evaluated the impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters program offerings. Studies will be listed here for you to view and download as they become available. Feel free to check back from time to time to see what's new.
Public/Private Ventures (P/PV) Study Summary:
This study, completed in 1995, found that a Little Brother or Little Sister (a.k.a. a “Little”) who is matched for one year or more in a one-to-one friendship is more likely to graduate from high school, attend college and demonstrate more respect for adults. Littles are also more likely to avoid alcohol, drugs and violence. When compared with their peers, Little Brothers and Sisters are:
• 46% less likely to start using drugs
• 27% less likely to start drinking
• 52% less likely to skip a day of school
• more trusting of their guardians and less likely to lie to them.
Click here for a PDF version of the P/PV study.
Harris Interactive
®
(HI) Study
A study conducted in 2009 by Harris Interactive® on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters finds adults mentored as children through Big Brothers Big Sisters (alumni Littles) are more likely than peers with similar backgrounds but who were not involved in the program to have a four-year college degree and incomes of $75,000 or more. They also report strong relationships with their spouses, children and friends.
When compared with their peers, Little Brothers and Sisters alumni are:
- 75% more likely than non-alumni to have received a four-year college degree
- 39% more likely than non-alumni to have current household incomes of $75,000 or higher
- 72% are extremely or very satisfied with their relationships with friends and family.
- 62% perceive themselves to have achieved a higher level of success than their peers who were not involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters.
- 52% more likely than non-alumni to have been engaged in their community, particularly when it comes to volunteering.
- 35% to hold a leadership role in an organization working on an issue.
Click here for a PDF version of the HI study.