Enroll A Child
Help Littles Achieve Big Things
Our 1:1 mentoring progrAM
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado offers long-term, one-to-one mentoring relationships for youth. Our programs connect young people, ages 9-14, with trained, screened adult mentors who provide consistent encouragement, guidance, and positive support over time. Due to a high volume of applications, we are temporarily pausing new applications for boys seeking a mentor while we process our current pipeline.
We are still actively accepting applications from:
- Men interested in becoming a Big
- Girls interested in being matched with a mentor
This pause is temporary, and we appreciate your patience and understanding
Because mentoring relationships are meaningful and centered on youth safety, enrollment and matching are intentional, thoughtful processes that take time to ensure the right fit for every child and family.
Is Mentoring the Right Fit Right Now?
Please review the checklist below before applying.
YES — This May Be a Good Fit If:
- My child is between ages 9–14 and lives within the BBBS Colorado service area
- My child wants to participate in a mentoring program
- All parents or legal guardians agree to the child’s participation
- Our family is seeking long-term support (not immediate or crisis help)
- We understand that matching with a mentor takes time and is done carefully for safety and fit
- Our family can support consistent communication and participation over time
- My child may be receiving other supports (such as counseling or therapy), and mentoring would be an additional positive relationship
NOT RIGHT NOW — Mentoring May Need to Wait If:
- My child has had a suicide attempt, or a mental health crisis within the past six months
- My child does not want to be matched with a mentor at this time
- Our family is experiencing unstable housing that makes regular participation difficult
- Parents or legal guardians do not agree on enrolling the child
- My child is under age 9 or 15+
- We are seeking immediate crisis intervention
If mentoring isn’t the right fit right now, that doesn’t mean it won’t be in the future. We’re always happy to reconnect when circumstances change.
What Is a Mentor?
A mentor is a trusted, caring adult who shows up consistently for a young person. Mentors build supportive relationships rooted in encouragement, listening, and positive role modeling.
Mentors are:
- A dependable friend and positive role model
- Caring, patient, and encouraging
- A source of support and motivation — a true cheerleader
- Willing to share time, life experience, and guidance
- Non-judgmental and respectful
- Able to set and maintain healthy boundaries
Mentors don’t need to have all the answers — they simply need to be present, consistent, and committed.
What a Mentor Is Not
Mentors play an important role, but they are not meant to replace professional or family support systems.
- A parent or guardian substitute
- A therapist, counselor, or social worker
- A judge or disciplinarian
- A member of a child’s family
- A babysitter, chauffeur, or source of financial support
- A “rescuer” or savior
Mentorship is about walking alongside a young person — offering guidance, encouragement, and steady support — while helping them grow in their own way and at their own pace.
Need Immediate or Different Support?
If your family needs urgent or specialized services, please visit our Resources Page or contact 2-1-1 Colorado for local referrals. For urgent emotional or mental health support, call or text Colorado Crisis Services at 988.
*Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado reserves the right to close a match relationship at any time, with or without prior notice, for any reason deemed appropriate in its sole discretion, including but not limited to concerns related to safety, program fit, participation, or adherence to program policies. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado is not required to disclose the specific reason for match closure.
Steps to Enroll a Child
Step #1
Complete an online application.
Step #2
Once your child makes the top of the youth waitlist, a BBBSC staff person will contact you to complete a youth inquiry call.
Step #3
After completion of the inquiry call, you will be connected with a member of our enrollment team who will schedule an in-person interview with you and your child(ren).
Step #4
Eligibility will be determined and you will be informed of the decision.
Is Our Program Right for Your Child?
How do I know if my child is eligible for the program?
To be eligible, your child must be between 9-15 years old at the time of enrollment and have an interest in participating. Families should also be committed to engaging in the program. If your child has recently experienced a major loss or trauma, we may discuss whether this is the right time to start.
What is the commitment required for my child and our family?
Bigs and Littles typically meet 2-4 times per month for a few hours at a time. The success of the match depends on consistent engagement, so we ask that families encourage their child’s participation and maintain communication with their assigned Program Coordinator.
How are Bigs screened before being matched with my child?
Every mentor (Big) undergoes a thorough screening process, including a background check, interview, and training. We ensure that Bigs are responsible, caring, and dedicated to positively impacting a child’s life.
What if my child or our family doesn’t feel comfortable with their match?
We carefully match Bigs and Littles based on interests, preferences, and personalities, but we understand that not every match is perfect. If any concerns arise, we encourage open communication with our staff, who can offer support or reassess the match if needed.
Does it cost anything to enroll my child in the program?
No! Our mentoring programs are completely free for families. However, Bigs and Littles often participate in fun activities together, and while we encourage free and low-cost outings, families can choose to provide a small allowance for their child’s experiences if they wish.
How simple connections create lifelong change
See how a caring mentor’s guidance helped a Little overcome challenges, build confidence, and create a brighter future.
What are the programs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado can offer to my child?
Protecting BBBSC Youth
Safety First
Our Commitment
Nationally Required Standards of Excellence
BBBSC and affiliated agencies are separate 501©3 organizations that have the primary responsibility for risk management and youth protection in their organizations. This includes the establishment of local policies and procedures that best protect youth, effective screening and selection of staff and volunteers, and professional monitoring of match relationships.
For decades, BBBSC has worked with BBBSA and with national violence prevention experts to implement standards based on industry best practice of high-quality in-service delivery. BBBSC will continue to make this our priority, by working with outside experts to carefully examine our standards and service delivery model as emerging best practices in child safety evolve.
Training in Child Protection
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.