At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, we know that mentorship works. For over a century, we have seen how one caring adult can change a young person’s trajectory. But mentoring alone is not enough. The policies that shape Colorado’s communities, schools, and families matter just as much.
That is why BBBSC advances a prevention-focused advocacy strategy rooted in mentorship as a proven solution to youth disconnection, academic challenges, mental health stressors, and juvenile justice involvement. We advocate for policies that strengthen families and expand access to consistent, relationship-based support for young people across our state.
When we invest in prevention, we reduce the need for intervention. When we support families, we create the conditions for children to thrive.
Why Mentoring Matters for Policy
The research is clear. Youth who have a mentor are 52% less likely to be arrested, 46% less likely to begin using drugs, and 20% more likely to enroll in college. Long-term studies show that mentored youth earn 15 to 19 percent more in early career wages than their peers without mentors.
Every dollar invested in quality mentoring returns three dollars in societal benefits through reduced justice system costs, higher tax revenue, and stronger community outcomes. Mentorship is not just a program. It is a cost-effective, evidence-based strategy for building a healthier Colorado.
Our 2026 Advocacy Priorities
BBBSC focuses on three policy areas that directly impact our ability to serve Colorado’s youth and families.
Sustaining the Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program
The Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program is a Colorado state initiative that funds community-based organizations working to prevent youth crime, violence, substance use, school dropout, and child abuse. TGYS is one of the primary funding sources that allows BBBSC to operate our mentoring programs across the Denver Metro and Pikes Peak regions.
The current TGYS grant cycle ends June 30, 2026. During the 2024-2026 cycle, 226 Colorado organizations sought approximately $36.1 million in TGYS funding, but only $10.4 million was available. Demand for these preventative youth services far exceeds supply.
BBBSC supports continued and expanded funding for TGYS because prevention programs like ours reduce downstream costs in juvenile justice, child welfare, and emergency services. When young people have consistent adult support, they stay in school, make healthier choices, and contribute to their communities.
Preserving the Colorado Child Tax Credit
Economic stability at home directly affects a child’s ability to succeed. Research shows that family financial stress is one of the leading predictors of youth disconnection, academic struggle, and mental health challenges.
Colorado’s Child Tax Credit and Family Affordability Tax Credit provide refundable credits to families with children under 17. Families with children under six can receive up to $3,200 per child, while those with children ages six to sixteen can receive up to $2,400. Combined with expansions to the Earned Income Tax Credit, these policies are projected to reduce childhood poverty in Colorado by 40 percent.
At BBBSC, 41 percent of our Littles’ families receive income assistance. Seventy percent come from single-parent households. These tax credits provide direct support to the families we serve, reducing economic stressors that impact youth wellbeing and creating conditions where mentoring relationships can flourish.
Expanding Access to Out-of-School-Time Programming
The hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. are when juvenile crime rates spike across Colorado. For the more than 140,000 school-aged children who would otherwise be unsupervised during these hours, afterschool and summer programs provide a safe place to learn, grow, and connect with caring adults.
Colorado passed the Out-of-School Time Grant Program in 2024, investing $3.5 million to support afterschool programming statewide. This was an important first step, but demand still far outpaces supply. Seventy-five percent of Colorado children whose parents want them in afterschool programs do not have access.
BBBSC’s school-based mentoring is our fastest-growing program. Through STARS peer mentoring, Project AIM, and our Big Futures career readiness initiative, we reach youth directly in their schools and communities. Expanded state investment in out-of-school-time programming means more young people can access the mentoring and support they need during the hours when they are most vulnerable.
How You Can Take Action
Your voice matters. Colorado legislators need to hear from constituents who believe in investing in our children’s futures.
Contact Your Legislators
Find your Colorado state senator and representative at leg.colorado.gov. Share why youth mentoring and family support policies matter to you, your family, or your community. Personal stories are powerful.
Stay Informed
Follow BBBSC on social media and sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on advocacy opportunities throughout the legislative session.
Support Our Advocacy Work
Your donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado supports both our direct mentoring programs and our advocacy efforts on behalf of Colorado’s youth. Donations to BBBSC qualify for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit, meaning you can claim 50 percent of your gift back in state tax credits, up to $100,000.
Donate Now or Contact Your Legislator
The Children Are Counting on Us
Among the Maasai people of East Africa, there is a greeting: “Kasserian Ingera?” It means “How are the children?” The traditional response, when all is well: “The children are well.”
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, we ask this question every day. And we work to ensure that one day, we can answer with confidence: the children of Colorado are well.
Nearly 300 young people, most of them boys, are still waiting for a mentor. With your advocacy, your voice, and your support, we can reach them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BBBSC’s approach to advocacy?
BBBSC advances a prevention-focused advocacy strategy rooted in mentorship as a proven solution to youth disconnection, academic challenges, mental health stressors, and juvenile justice involvement. We focus on policies that strengthen families and expand access to consistent, relationship-based support for young people.
What is the Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program?
The Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program is a Colorado state initiative that funds community-based organizations for prevention and intervention programs serving children, youth, and families. TGYS aims to prevent youth crime, violence, substance use, school dropout, and child abuse.
How does the Colorado Child Tax Credit help families?
Colorado’s Child Tax Credit and Family Affordability Tax Credit provide refundable credits to families with children under 17. Eligible families can receive up to $3,200 per child under six and $2,400 per child ages six to sixteen. Combined with EITC expansions, these credits are projected to reduce childhood poverty in Colorado by 40 percent.
How can I contact my Colorado legislators?
You can find contact information for your state senator and representative at leg.colorado.gov. Enter your address to identify your elected officials and access their contact information.
