Youth mentoring is a structured, supportive relationship between a caring adult (the mentor) and a young person (the mentee) built on trust, consistency, and mutual respect.
Through regular interactions over time, mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and positive role modeling that helps young people develop confidence, make better decisions, and reach their full potential.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, we have facilitated these relationships for over a century. Our programs match trained adult volunteers with youth ages 5 to 18, creating one-to-one connections that last an average of 3.6 years. In 2025, we served 1,641 young people across the Denver Metro and Pikes Peak regions.
What Does a Youth Mentor Do?
A youth mentor shows up consistently, listens actively, and provides the kind of steady adult presence that many young people lack at home or in their communities.
Mentors do not replace parents or teachers. Instead, they fill a unique role as trusted friends and guides who help young people navigate challenges, explore interests, and build skills for the future.
In practice, mentors:
- Meet regularly with their mentee, typically two to four times per month
- Engage in shared activities based on the young person’s interests
- Offer encouragement and celebrate achievements
- Help mentees set goals and work through obstacles
- Model positive communication, decision-making, and problem-solving
- Provide a safe space for young people to talk through challenges
The relationship is not about fixing problems. It is about building a connection. Research consistently shows that the quality and duration of the mentor-mentee relationship matter more than any specific activity or curriculum.
Why Youth Mentoring Works: The Research
Mentoring is one of the most rigorously studied youth development interventions. Decades of research confirm that young people with mentors experience better outcomes across nearly every measure.
According to Big Brothers Big Sisters national research, mentored youth are:
- 52% less likely to skip school than peers without mentors
- 46% less likely to begin using drugs
- 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
- 52% less likely to be arrested
A 2025 study from Harvard University and the U.S. Department of Treasury, drawing on 30 years of longitudinal data, found that mentored youth are 20% more likely to enroll in college and earn 15 to 19% more in early-career wages than their peers without mentors.
At BBBSC, 78% of our Littles maintained or improved their grades during the 2025 program year, and 94% report feeling confident they will achieve their goals even when facing significant barriers.
These outcomes are not accidental. They result from intentional program design that prioritizes relationship quality, mentor training, and ongoing support from professional staff.
The Benefits of Youth Mentoring
The impact of mentoring extends across multiple dimensions of a young person’s life.
Academic Success
Mentored youth attend school more regularly, earn higher grades, and are more likely to pursue higher education. Mentors help young people develop study habits, set educational goals, and see themselves as capable learners. At BBBSC, our Big Futures program provides additional support for teens preparing for college, career, military service, or trade programs.
Social and Emotional Development
Through consistent interactions with a trusted adult, young people develop communication skills, emotional regulation, and the ability to navigate social situations. These skills build the foundation for healthy relationships throughout life.
Confidence and Resilience
A mentor who believes in a young person’s potential can transform how that young person sees themselves. Mentees develop greater self-esteem, stronger problem-solving abilities, and increased resilience when facing challenges. At BBBSC, 92% of Littles say their Big is a very important adult in their life.
Healthier Choices
Young people with mentors are significantly less likely to engage in risky behaviors, including substance use, violence, and early school dropout. The presence of a positive role model combined with stronger decision-making skills leads to healthier choices during critical developmental years.
Expanded Opportunities
Mentors expose young people to experiences, ideas, and possibilities they might not encounter otherwise. This could include career exploration, cultural activities, community service, or simply seeing what is possible beyond their immediate circumstances.
How BBBSC Mentoring Programs Work
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado offers multiple pathways into mentorship, each designed to meet different needs and schedules.
Community-Based Mentoring is our signature one-to-one program. Mentors and mentees meet on their own schedule, two to four times per month, to choose activities together. Matches are supported by BBBSC staff who provide training, guidance, and resources throughout the relationship.
School-Based Mentoring through our STARS and Project AIM programs reaches youth directly in their schools. These structured programs focus on peer mentoring, identity development, and goal-setting during the school day.
Sports Buddies combines mentorship with staff-led group activities, including hiking, skiing, STEM workshops, and professional sporting events. This program is ideal for mentors who want a more structured experience with activities planned by BBBSC.
Big Futures provides wraparound support for teens preparing for life after high school, including college preparation, career exploration, financial literacy, and life skills development.
All BBBSC mentors complete a thorough screening process and training before being matched with a young person. Our professional staff supports every match from start to finish.
Get Involved
Youth mentoring works. The research proves it, and we see it every day in Colorado.
Become a Mentor. Nearly 300 young people are waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister. Your time and presence can change a life.
Enroll a Child. If you know a young person who could benefit from a mentor, we want to hear from you.
Donate. Your gift supports mentoring programs that help Colorado youth build confidence, make healthier choices, and reach their potential.
Lend a Helping Hand Today!
Empower Colorado’s youth! Support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado by becoming a mentor, donating funds, or volunteering your time. Your involvement can change a child’s life forever and also bring you personal growth and fulfillment. Whether you give an hour, a dollar, or become a Big, you’re investing in our community’s future.
This perspective exchange can lead to more cohesive communities and help combat stereotypes and prejudices. Visit our website or call today to get started on youth mentoring!
Related Programs: Community-Based Mentoring | School-Based Mentoring | Big Futures | View All Programs
