Big Brothers Big Sisters Honors Mentorship Pairs for Transformative Impact
Event summary
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) awarded its 2026 Big and Little of the Year honors to two mentorship pairs during its annual National Conference in Atlanta on June 18, 2026.
- Jaleesa and Jaime from Central Indiana were recognized for their deep sisterhood built through trust and encouragement, helping Jaime overcome grief and pursue ambitious academic goals.
- Matt and Sterling from the Bay Area were honored for their decade-long bond, supporting each other through health challenges and personal growth.
- BBBSA highlighted these relationships as examples of its mission to empower youth through consistent, caring mentorship.
The big picture
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America's recognition of outstanding mentorship pairs underscores the critical role of one-to-one relationships in youth development. As the largest mentoring organization in the U.S., BBBSA continues to demonstrate how consistent, supportive connections can drive positive outcomes for young people facing significant challenges. The event highlights the strategic importance of expanding access to these life-changing programs amid growing recognition of the need for mental health and social support services for youth.
What we're watching
- Program Impact
- How BBBSA will leverage these success stories to expand its mentorship programs and secure additional funding.
- Volunteer Engagement
- Whether the organization can sustain volunteer interest and retention amid growing demand for mentorship services.
- Scalability
- The pace at which BBBSA can replicate these transformative relationships across its 5,000 communities nationwide.
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