Our Community-Based program creates one-to-one relationships between "Bigs" (an adult mentor) and "Littles" (youth between the ages 7 to 15). The Big Brother or Big Sister will meet with their Little for a minimum of two times a month, for two hours each, to interact in physical, social, and mental skills-building activities.

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 mentor relationship every Big, Little, and Little Guardian receives professional coaching and resources from BBBS staff.

Since 2014, School to Work has connected high school students (Scholars) with local business partners. 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. These sessions provide scholars with valuable exposure to professional workplace environments while they learn a variety of skills including relationship building, responsible decision making, financial education, and overall college and career readiness.

Each workplace partner provides expertise, space, and employees that serve as mentors (Bigs). 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.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana partners with schools and community organizations that serve as host sites for Bigs to meet and work with their Little. Bigs meet with their Little weekly at the host site during the school day or after-school. 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 skills, and healthy relationships in both Bigs and Littles.

Big Futures helps young adults (ages 16–25 years old) transition successfully from completion of high school into adulthood through a mentorship match and/or with our College and Career Coaches. Bi-monthly sessions, called “Pillar Events”, are held so that each participant gains the skills and knowledge to successfully transition into one of the three E’s: Employment, Enlistment, and Enrollment.

Big Futures’ desired impact is to help navigate challenges specific to their stage in life. Our goal for each young adult is to gain the skills and knowledge to successfully transition into the workforce and/or continued education opportunities.

Throughout the year, we host events benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters and supporting our community. Visit the calendar to learn more.

In partnership with Jefferson County Public Schools, our Group Mentoring program launched in early 2024 at West Louisville’s Hudson Middle School.

Group Mentoring pairs volunteer mentors with groups of 3-5 youth in larger group settings, where sessions and lessons focus on pillars of Identity, Entertainment, Social Entrepreneurship, and Cultivating Life Skills.

Bi-monthly meetings are facilitated by BBBSKY partner organizations with BBBSKY staff present. Our staff diligently recruits, screens, and trains volunteers before matching them with students based on common interests and compatibility.