Age range

Website: www.bigsister.org

Mission/Goals: Big Sister strives to make a difference in girls’ lives in three key areas: confidence, competence and caring.

Source(s): www.guidestar.org;

www.bigsister.org

Notes: Big Sister operates three main programs. The Community-Based Mentoring program is the traditional one-on-one mentoring program that matches Little Sisters with Big Sisters. The School-Based Mentoring program is specifically for elementary students and involves a mentor relationship that meets at school and emphasizes education. Big Sister also offers middle school girls two types of group mentoring: Life Choices and TEAM. Group mentoring programs meet weekly, rely on a structured curriculum and provide a safe space for girls to learn and discuss issues they may face.

Type of Evaluation: Experimental.

Note: The research sample did not include Boston programs.

Objective: To assess whether Big Brothers/Big Sisters reduced anti-social activities, improved academic performance, improved family and peer relationships, improved self-esteem and increased cultural awareness.

Impact/Outcomes: The evaluation of the core program found that Big Brothers/Big Sisters participants were less likely to start using drugs and alcohol compared with controls. Participants were less likely to hit someone, had improved school attendance and performance, improved attitudes toward completing schoolwork, and had improved relationships with family and friends. Participants were not more likely to have an improved sense of self-esteem or increased cultural awareness.

Also available in What Works: LINKS