When we ignite potential, anything is possible. Mentorship opens doors to new possibilities. With the right support and encouragement, Littles gain confidence to dream bigger and achieve more. A caring mentor empowers them to see a brighter future.

Sometimes, the smallest moments can have the biggest impact, with just a little encouragement, hope, and inspiration. In fact, 92% of our Littles graduate high school, compared to 84% of their peers in Cincinnati Public Schools. Littles often report stronger self-esteem, valuable life skills, better academic performance, and a more positive outlook on life—all thanks to their mentors.

Site-Based Mentoring

Community-Based Mentoring

Connecting where they are

Meet your Little at school for lunch, games, and conversation—or join them after school at a partner site filled with fun activities. Mentorship sparks curiosity, fuels dreams, and unlocks potential.
​Give a little time, gain so much more—and when that happens, everyone wins.

Lunch Buddies

The BBBS Lunch Buddies Program offers mentors the chance to connect with their Little Brothers or Sisters during school lunch. Through shared meals, games, and conversations, mentors build relationships that inspire curiosity and confidence. It's a simple yet impactful to invest a little time and make a big difference in a child's life. 

After School

The After-School Program at a Big Brothers Big Sisters partner sites provides a variety of activities, from arts and crafts to sports and workshops. Mentors and their Littles engage in hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity and inspire potential. Children explore their interests and build skills while mentors offer support and guidance in a fun, enriching environment. 

High School Bigs

The High School Bigs program pairs high school students with elementary school students, providing one-to-one mentorship. These pairings focus on building positive relationships and supporting the elementary school students' development. The program involves weekly meetings where the high school Bigs and elementary school Littles engage in activities that promote academic achievement, social skills, and self-awareness.

Beyond School Walls

The Beyond School Walls Program pairs students with professionals from local companies, providing monthly office visits to explore careers, build skills, and gain exposure in a real-world work setting. This program offers schools positive role models and enriching experiences that support educational goals and socio-emotional learning, while expanding students' future opportunities. Designed by BBBS, the curriculum fosters collaboration among schools, corporate partners, and BBBS to create a transformative experience. 

Game Changers

Game Changers is an innovative school-based mentorship program embedding full-time BBBS staff mentors directly into schools to deliver daily guidance, encouragement, and life skills support for students who need it most. By fostering strong relationships and developing social-emotional skills, Game Changers helps young people stay engaged academically and thrive year-round, including summer programming.

A trip to get ice cream can change their path

It is easy to spend a few hours a month with your Little Brother or Sister when you are having fun. Enjoy activities throughout the community- go to the park, bake cookies, run errands, see a game, go fishing, or participate in match activities. You will soon realize being a Big means as much as to you, as it does to them.

Bigs With Badges

Bigs with Badges empowers public service professionals to build trust and ignite youth potential through one-to-one mentoring. These meaningful connections bridge communities and show that those who wear a badge are not just protectors—but champions, allies, and role models.

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We continue to learn that "Everyone has a story," and each life impacted by our work is one that can make a positive difference for our community. There is story after story from our Bigs, Littles, young adults, and families that remind us that everything we do matters.

Longtime Big and Little Brothers, William and Craig

Meet Little Brother William, who recently graduated from Newport High School, and his longtime Big Brother Craig. William and Craig have one of our longest-standing matches, paired since 2014. Over the years, they’ve built a bond so strong, they say they can hardly remember life without each other.

Five years ago, they co-founded a nonprofit called Boxed Blessings after William noticed some of his friends wouldn’t be receiving gifts at Christmas. What started as packing shoeboxes with small gifts and essentials has grown into a community effort, delivering thousands of boxes to children across Northern Kentucky. Their friendship has inspired them to lead with compassion, give back generously, and believe in the power of connection. The impact they’ve had on each other—and their community—is something truly special.

BE A BIG