Become A Big
Give a Little something back
Are you ready to “pay it forward” because you had someone in your corner cheering you on or are you ready to become the mentor you needed and never had?
You’re in the right place!
The options are unlimited, just like a Little’s potential.
Become a Mentor
Mentorship is one of the most meaningful ways to show up for a young person, and it starts right here. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado matches trained adult volunteers (“Bigs”) with young people (“Littles”) across the Denver Metro and Pikes Peak regions. Nearly 300 Colorado youth, most of them boys, are waiting for a mentor right now.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know before you apply: who’s eligible, how much time it takes, how screening works, and what mentoring actually looks like day to day.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteer Requirements
You don’t need a special degree, a background in youth work, or a perfect life story to become a Big. What you need is the ability to show up consistently and a genuine interest in a young person’s life. Here is what we ask of every volunteer:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Live within a 25-30 minute drive from our service area: Denver Metro (Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, Jefferson, and Douglas counties) or the Pikes Peak region (El Paso County)
- Commit to a minimum of one year with your Little
- Pass a multi-level background screening, including a national criminal database search and sex offender registry check
- Provide references that we will contact as part of enrollment
- Complete an in-person interview with a member of our enrollment team
- Complete volunteer training before being matched, covering youth development, boundaries, cultural responsiveness, and mandatory reporting
- Maintain a valid driver's license and auto insurance if transporting a Little
Who is not eligible? We do not accept volunteers with any history of a crime against a child. Individuals with certain other criminal convictions, a history of child abuse or neglect, or other disqualifying factors identified during screening may not be eligible. If you have a prior arrest or conviction and aren’t sure whether you qualify, email Enrollment@BigLittleColorado.org before applying. We review these situations individually.
What's the Time Commitment to Be a Big?
Bigs commit to at least one year of mentorship from the date of their match, because young people need consistency and trust takes time to build. Within that year, the commitment depends on your program:
- Community-Based Mentoring: You and your Little meet 2–4 times per month, typically 2–4 hours per outing, doing activities you choose together.
- Site-Based Mentoring: You meet 1–2 times per month in staff-organized group activities like sporting events, outdoor crafts, or STEM workshops.
The application itself takes about 20–30 minutes. The full enrollment process, from application through training, interview, screening, and match, typically takes four to six weeks.
Steps to Becoming a Mentor
Applying to be a Big takes a few steps, and we’re here to help you along the way:
Step #1 Complete your volunteer application (20-30 Minutes)
Share basic information about yourself, your interests, and the kind of mentoring experience you're looking for.
Step #2 Choose your training date
After submitting your application, select the next available training session that fits your schedule.
Step #3 interview + background check
A member of our team will meet with you for a volunteer interview and guide you through our background screening and reference check.
Step #4 Match pitch + Introduction
If approved, our enrollment team recommends a Little based on shared interests, location, and compatibility, and guides you through a supported introduction.
Step #5 Ongoing Support
You're never doing this alone. Your program specialist provides check-ins, activity ideas, and support throughout your match.
What Mentoring Looks Like
Most of mentoring is ordinary time: a walk, a meal, a game, a ride to practice. You don’t need to plan elaborate outings or spend money. Bigs also receive donated tickets to events, concerts, and games throughout the year, and BBBSC hosts match activities you’re both invited to.
Why We Ask for a One-Year Commitment: Mentorship works best when young people can count on the same caring adult over time. A one-year commitment helps build trust, stability, and the kind of relationship that supports long-term growth.
Ready to Apply?
The application takes about 20–30 minutes. Once you submit it, you’ll choose a training date, complete your interview and screening, and typically be matched within four to six weeks. Adults who apply in January, during National Mentoring Month, are generally matched by late winter.
Questions before you start? Email Enrollment@BigLittleColorado.org or call (303) 433-6002 in Denver or (719) 633-2443 in Colorado Springs.
Have Questions About Being a Big?
What are the requirements to be a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer?
Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, live within a 25-30 minute drive from the Denver Metro or Pikes Peak region, commit to a minimum of one year, and pass a multi-level background check, reference verification, interview, and training. No prior experience working with youth is required.
Do I need experience working with kids to be a Big?
No. BBBSC provides training before you’re matched, covering youth development, relationship building, cultural responsiveness, and mandatory reporting. What matters most is a commitment to showing up consistently.
How long does it take to become a Big?
The application takes 20–30 minutes. The full process, including training, interview, background screening, and matching, typically takes four to six weeks.
What does the background check include?
BBBSC runs multi-level background screening, including a national criminal database search and sex offender registry check, plus reference verification. There is a one-time $60 fee. A prior conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but we do not accept anyone with a history of a crime against a child.
How often do Bigs and Littles get together?
That depends on the program! Community-based Bigs and Littles get together 2-4 times a month, and on average spend 2-4 hours together each time they meet. Site-based Bigs and Littles get together 1-2 times a month in group activities like a sports game or outdoor crafts, and on average spend 2-4 hours together each time they meet.
How long can a match last?
All of our programs require a one-year commitment from the time of match, unless special arrangements have been made through our military partnership through our Colorado Springs location. That is often not the end, though — many of our matches turn into life-long friendships.
What support is provided to our match?
Once you are matched with your Little, your program specialist will be in regular contact with you to help answer questions and give feedback. Each match is supported by a program specialist. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, provide guidance for handling anything that may arise, and support with feedback on how you are making a difference.
Do the parents and children want to be in the program?
Parents that enroll their children in the BBBSC program want the very best for their children. They see the benefits of introducing another caring adult role model into their life. Many say their children’s Bigs can talk to them about issues too difficult for a child to broach with a parent. Parents often say introducing a Big into their child’s life changed their Little forever and had a positive impact for the entire family. BBBSC only enrolls children who want and need the program and whose parents specifically want them to be in the program. The result is 100% of the children enrolled are ready and excited about being matched with a Big.
How do I choose my Little?
This is what is unique about BBBSC. We don’t just select the next child on the list and match them with the next Big. Each Big and Little are initially matched by BBBSC based on compatibility and proximity to each other. Our Enrollment Specialists get to know each Big, parent and Little enrolled in the program. They get to know their interests, hobbies, what they are looking for in a match, and much more. This is crucial because once a volunteer is accepted into the program, an Enrollment Specialist will begin searching for a Little they think would make the ideal match.
What do I do with my Little?
Activities are dependent on the program enrolled in. Some activities are coordinated by the program, attending a sporting event or a fun outdoor activity planned independently. Bring your Little on activities you were already going to do. Keep it simple and focus on getting to know each other. BBBSC also hosts great match activities that Bigs/Littles are invited to. Bigs also occasionally will receive free tickets donated to BBBSC (events, concerts, outdoor adventures, games, shows, etc.) that program specialists distribute to matches.
Do Bigs receive any help or training once matched?
Yes, we provide home visits that will serve as an in-person training and the BBBSC staff will walk you through situational scenarios to help prepare you for your match. In addition, your program specialist will be there every step of the way to offer customized support while you are matched. We also partner with several organizations to provide ongoing workshops and trainings to better support you and your Little.
Can I choose whether I want a Little Sister or a Little Brother?
BBBSC generally makes same gender matches, meaning Big Brothers are matched with Little Brothers and Big Sisters are matched with Little Sisters. BBBSC is inclusive and honors gender identity, Bigs and Littles from the LGBTQ+ community and gender expressions that do not fit into binary gender labels. BBBSC works with all parties of a prospective match – the youth, parent(s) and volunteer – to make strong mentoring matches consistent with the matching preferences of all parties of the prospective match.
What if it doesn’t work out?
We have a lot of experience making long-lasting matches. However, sometimes things come up — Bigs or Littles move, situations change, or something doesn’t work out. We will attempt to mediate the situation, but if it doesn’t work, we will close the match. If this happens, your program specialist will be there to support you, your Little, and your Little’s parent(s) every step of the way and handle it in the best way possible.
What if I have a criminal background history?
Mentors come from all walks of life and backgrounds, and we understand everyone makes mistakes. A previous conviction or arrest is something we carefully review and assess on an individual basis. If you have concerns or questions about being disqualified due to a previous arrest or conviction, please email Enrollment@BigLittleColorado.org and we can explore if our programs are a good fit for you. We do not accept volunteers with any history of a crime against a child.
Is there a cost to the background check?
Yes, there is a one-time fee of $60 to complete the background check.
Your Story Matters—Inspire the Next Generation
Were you a Big or a Little? Your journey can inspire others to step up and make a difference. Whether it’s a moment that changed your life or a lesson that shaped your future, we want to hear from you.