Becoming a Big Brother is more than an act of service – it’s a chance to change the trajectory of a young person’s life while discovering new purpose in your own. Across Colorado, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado (BBBSC) empowers men of all ages to build one-on-one connections that spark confidence, trust, and growth. Whether you’re just starting your career, raising a family, or enjoying retirement, your time and experience can make a lasting impact on Colorado youth and communities statewide.
Key Takeaways
- Anyone can become a Big Brother mentor – life experience strengthens every connection.
- Mentorship builds confidence, empathy, and purpose in both mentor and mentee.
- BBBSC provides personalized training, match support, and flexible volunteering options.
Volunteer opportunities are available across Colorado, including Denver and Colorado Springs.
Why Mentorship Matters at Every Stage of Life
Mentorship is one of the most powerful forces for personal and social change. When you become a Big Brother, you’re not just volunteering – you’re shaping a young person’s sense of self, direction, and possibility. Research from MENTOR.org shows that youth with mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 78% more likely to volunteer themselves later in life.
For adults, mentoring offers equal reward. It reconnects you to purpose, empathy, and the feeling of belonging to something bigger than yourself. Whether you’re early in your career, raising a family, or entering retirement, your time and life experience can create a legacy of growth.To understand the deeper impact of mentorship, explore The Benefits of Being a Mentor, which highlights how mentoring transforms both lives involved.
Mentorship Beyond Age
Every generation has something to give. Younger mentors bring energy and relatability, while older mentors bring wisdom, perspective, and calm. What unites them is a shared belief in possibility – a belief that showing up can make a lifelong difference.
BBBSC’s programs are structured to fit around life’s responsibilities. Mentors can choose in-person, hybrid, or community-based matches, ensuring anyone with the desire to help can do so meaningfully.
How to Become a Big Brother in Colorado
Becoming a Big Brother through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado is simple, guided, and deeply rewarding. The organization has supported thousands of youth across the state through safe, personalized mentorship matches.
If you’re unsure where to start, read Are You Ready? Here’s How to Become a Youth Mentor for an overview of what to expect as a new volunteer.
Eligibility & Volunteer Requirements
- Be 21 years or older.
- Commit to spending time with your Little 2–4 times per month.
- Complete an application, interview, and background check.
- Bring patience, consistency, and a desire to help a young person grow.
BBBSC welcomes mentors from all walks of life – students, professionals, retirees, and parents. Training and support are provided every step of the way so you never have to navigate your match alone.
Steps to Get Started
- Apply Online: Visit the Become a Big page and fill out the quick form.
- Interview & Screening: A BBBSC team member will get to know your interests and match preferences.
- Training: Learn mentorship best practices and youth engagement strategies based on research from Youth.gov.
- Get Matched: You’ll be paired with a Little who shares your interests and values.
From that moment, your mentorship journey begins – with ongoing check-ins, community events, and local support in Denver, Colorado Springs, and throughout the state
Why Mentorship Is Transformative – for Both People
For Youth
A mentor provides stability, encouragement, and opportunity. Youth who participate in programs like BBBSC are more likely to stay in school, graduate, and form healthy social bonds. Local BBBSC data aligns with findings from AmeriCorps: mentored youth show higher self-esteem and emotional well-being.
For Mentors
Mentorship benefits the mentor as much as the mentee. According to the American Psychological Association, giving back through mentoring increases happiness, social connection, and overall life satisfaction. When you teach resilience, you relearn it. When you encourage confidence, you build it within yourself.
Mentorship in Action: Real Stories from Colorado Bigs
Across Colorado, Big Brothers are making a measurable impact.
Pete, a long-time mentor in Denver, has worked with three Littles over 15 years. His first mentee recently graduated college. Pete says the biggest lesson was realizing mentorship isn’t about having the right answers – it’s about showing up: “Kids remember consistency, not perfection. Just being there matters.”
Scott, a mid-career professional in Colorado Springs, volunteers two days a month. He calls it “the best use of his time.” Whether they’re hiking Pikes Peak or practicing job interviews, his Little learns skills that extend well beyond their meetings.
BBBSC’s local matches show that mentorship changes both lives. Mentors gain patience, empathy, and perspective, while Littles gain a role model who believes in them.
The Benefits of Being a Big Brother Mentor
Can You Become a Big Brother at Any Age?
Absolutely. BBBSC welcomes mentors at every life stage.
Young Adults
If you’re in your twenties or thirties, you bring fresh energy and a relatable voice. Many Littles benefit from guidance on education, first jobs, and life transitions.
Parents & Mid-Career Adults
Balancing work and family can be demanding, but mentoring offers fulfillment that complements daily life. Parents often find that being a Big reinforces lessons they teach at home—patience, confidence, and empathy.
Retirees & Seniors
Retirement offers the time and wisdom that younger mentors may lack. Older Bigs often form especially deep bonds, offering stability and perspective that Littles cherish. Programs like Serve Colorado encourage mature adults 55+ to use their experience to give back through mentorship.
How Mentorship Builds a Stronger Colorado
Mentorship doesn’t just transform individuals—it strengthens entire communities.
- Improves academic engagement and graduation rates.
- Reduces youth violence and social disconnection.
- Bridges generational and economic divides.
Explore Youth Mentoring Programs in Colorado to see how these outcomes ripple across the state.
BBBSC’s mission is clear: every Colorado child deserves a caring adult who believes in their potential. When you mentor one, you uplift many.
Start Mentoring Today
Do something few people ever do – change the course of a young person’s life. Colorado youth are waiting for mentors right now. Apply to Become a Big Brother – it takes just a few minutes to start.
