The Acumen - March 2024

Quote from Polica on Big Futures. “BBBSC is ensuring youth are provided programming that features first-class experiences and support necessary for achieving a prosperous future. This includes exposing youth to successful professionals who look like them and kindle the wick of intentional action required for post- secondary success.” As a participant in the BBBSC’s Career Possibilities Program, BBBSC Alumni Little Isaiah completed a paid internship with BOA Technology. Under the mentorship of his Big and within the dynamic environment of the BOA internship, Isaiah found inspiration to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. “A lot of people are not exposed to this type of field or work; they don’t know that it’s possible.” Isaiah shared while reflecting on his time at BOA. “You can’t take opportunities that you don’t know about.” Isaiah is currently studying engineering at Colorado State University.

BBBSC Alumni Little Jonathan and His Big Quentin BBBSC Sports Buddies Program. (Photo: BBBSC)

In a significant move to expand its reach and impact, BBBSC acquired the STARS (Students Teaching About Relationships and Success) Program, adding an evidence-informed, cross- age, peer mentoring initiative to their already evidence based 1-1 mentoring programs. Uniquely tailored for youth ages 11 to 18. The STARS Program occurs within schools, pairing Youth Mentors in high school with groups of three to four Youth Mentees who are at least two years (or two grade levels) younger. This strategic acquisition underscores BBBSC’s unwavering commitment to providing diverse and effective mentorship opportunities to youth of all backgrounds. The many benefits of peer mentoring are deep and wide. The greatest being something that BBBSC refers to as MentorLife™ which translates to training youth at an early age to always invest in someone and to always have someone investing in them. In the STARS program many of the youth mentees become youth mentors. Data tells us that these youth are 48% more likely to volunteer in their community as adults. Given that 84% of these youth mentors

BBBSC CEO and Big Sister Elycia Cook with her Little Sister Tay at the live stage production of the Color Purple (Photo: BBBSC)

30 The Acumen

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