our programs
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana’s mentoring services impact more than just the youth and young adults we serve. Our comprehensive services impact the lives of our mentors (“Bigs”), youth mentees (“Littles”), and their families alike.
Every part of our model, from careful volunteer screening to ongoing match support, is grounded in research on what makes mentoring relationships last and make a difference.
Bigs and Littles are supported every step of the way by our professionally trained staff. Defending the potential of all youth results in generational change, and in turn impacts our entire community.
Swipe through the full list of programming below to find the right one for you.
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![A woman and a young boy smiling and walking outdoors with tall modern buildings and blue sky in the background.]()
One-to-One Matches
In our signature Community-Based program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana creates and supports one-to-one matches between a volunteer adult mentor (“Big”) and a youth mentee between the ages of 7 to 16 (“Little”). Bigs will typically meet with their Littles for a minimum of two times a month, for about two hours each time, to engage in meaningful, fun-filled activities together.
One of the keys to our successful program is that each Little is matched with a caring Big who reflects their interests and priorities and helps them reach their full potential. And throughout their entire mentoring relationship, every Big, Little, and Little’s Guardian receives professional coaching, support, and resources from BBBS staff.
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![Teacher and student working on craft project with ping-pong paddle and table tennis ball in classroom]()
School to work
Since 2014, School to Work has been connecting high school students (“Scholars”) with local workplace partners and their employees (“Mentors”). Monthly sessions held during the school year give Scholars valuable exposure to professional settings while they develop life skills like relationship building, responsible decision making, financial education, and overall college and career readiness.
Scholars are transported from their school to the workplace partner once a month for a three-hour interactive session with their Mentor, that is led by BBBSKY staff.
Successful workplace partners commit to hosting the sessions for at least a three school-year cycle; willingness to host the program on site, work time during the workday, and a facility conducive to the group (40 to 50 people; lunch; small group breakouts). Successful workplace partners also have the employee capacity to devote 15-20 mentors to be paired in the School To Work program annually.
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![A man and a boy sitting together in a library, looking at a large book titled 'Treasures of African Art' and smiling.]()
Site-based mentorship
Our Site-Based Mentoring program partners with schools and community organizations to bring mentorship where it is needed, meeting our communities where they are. Partners serve as host sites for our mentors (“Bigs”) to meet and engage with youth mentees (“Littles”) in a meaningful mentorship match. By meeting weekly at the host site, during the school day or right after school, matches promote academic success and positive personal growth. Through meaningful one-to-one interactions, Littles achieve academic success and improve social emotional skills.
What makes this program distinctive from our other programs is that there is an opportunity for high school students to volunteer as Bigs. This unique service model promotes community investment, leadership development, and healthy relationships in both Bigs and Littles.
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Big Futures
Big Futures helps young adults (ages 16-25) transition into adulthood and the workforce. Participants can join while in a match with their Big or as an Independent. Young adults ages 18 to 25 are the fastest growing population we serve, driven by increased demand for workplace mentoring as young people navigate their futures after high school.
Through monthly engagement opportunities, Big Futures participants develop valuable life skills and knowledge across the program’s Four Pillars: Pathways to Success, Holistic Wellness, Financial Education, and Leadership & Professional Development.
Big Futures aims to empower each young adult to gain the skills and knowledge to successfully transition into one of the three E’s: Employment, Enlistment, and Enrollment.
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![Adults and children stand in a circle with locked hands inside of a large facility playing a lighthearted game with a hula hoop]()
Group Mentoring
The newest program at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, Group Mentoring was launched in 2024 to serve communities where mentorship was needed most. “The BIG Group” connects our mentors (“Bigs”) with 3-5 mentees (“Littles”) in a relaxed group setting. Bigs and facilitators engage with Littles in 2-hour interactive sessions twice per month, which focus on peer relationships, developing leaders, and cultivating life skills.
Group Mentoring is distinct from other programs, as it engages youth and families who have inquired for the one-to-one Community-Based program while they wait to be matched. Our staff diligently recruits, screens, and trains Bigs before matching them with Littles based on shared interests and compatibility.
In addition to session time, Bigs and Littles receive ongoing one-to-one professional support sessions and coaching from BBBS staff.
