Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado Alumni Little Isaiah poses with CEO Elycia Cook and his Big Joe at BBBSC’s graduation ceremony. Isaiah was an intern through BBBSC’s Career Possibilities program and diligently pursuing his engineering studies at Colorado State University. (Photo: BBBSC)
Understanding that mentorship can be a lifeline for many young people, BBBSC has amplified its efforts to bridge the mentoring gap. Shockingly, statistics reveal that 1 in 3 youth lack a mentor or role model— a disparity that BBBSC is determined to address and alleviate. To address this pressing need, BBBSC has adapted its programs to offer a portfolio of mentoring services better aligned with youth needs. Recognizing the power of youth voice, peer support, and post-secondary readiness, BBBSC has introduced group and peer-to-peer mentoring, and college and career readiness wrap around services to these programs as well as their signature 1-1 volunteer adult to youth mentoring programs. One such initiative, the Big Futures Program, is specifically designed to equip high school-aged Littles with the social emotional support, skills, training, and resources they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence and prepare for a successful future. From college and career
readiness to essential life skills such as financial literacy and healthy decision-making, Big Futures empowers Littles to envision and pursue their dreams with confidence, determination, and increased social capital. In 2023, BBBSC welcomed to the staff Polica Houston, a Denver native and a proud graduate of Denver Public Schools, as Vice President of Programs. For the first time in BBBSC history, two people of color are serving on the executive leadership team. Polica is no stranger to the power of mentoring and celebrating Black Excellence. He is the son of one of Denver’s greatest sheroes of our time, Patricia Houston the founder of, “EspeciallyMe” which for over twenty years has shined a light on African American girls, through recognition, celebration, and scholarships. With his background in higher education and K-12 as a teacher and school administrator in the hearts of our communities, he has played an integral role in launching the Big Futures program.
29 The Acumen
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