For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. Our mission is to help children reach their potential through one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Vision is successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to brighter futures, better schools, and stronger communities for all. Our Programs Start Something Here's the proof. National research has shown that positive relationships between Littles and their Bigs have a direct and measurable impact on children's lives. By participating in our programs, Little Brothers and Sisters are: * more confident in their schoolwork performance * able to get along better with their families * 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs * 27% less likely to begin using alcohol * 52% less likely to skip school