Introduction to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), headquartered in Tampa, Florida, stands as the nation’s preeminent youth mentoring organization. Founded more than a century ago, BBBSA has evolved into a trusted pillar of the education and social services sector, operating through a network of over 230 local agencies across all 50 states. The organization’s mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. With an annual operating budget exceeding $200 million and a workforce of more than 5,000 dedicated employees, BBBSA is recognized by leading industry bodies as a top-tier education and youth development nonprofit. Schools, community centers, juvenile justice systems, and corporate partners rely on BBBSA’s research-backed programs to reduce dropout rates, improve social‑emotional learning, and break cycles of poverty. The organization’s reputation for measurable outcomes—such as a 90%+ match retention rate and significant improvements in youth confidence—makes it a benchmark for quality in the mentoring field.

Company History and Business Evolution

BBBSA traces its roots to 1904, when a court clerk in New York City named Ernest Coulter saw the need for positive adult role models for boys appearing before the court. He recruited volunteers, and the movement quickly spread. In 1912, the first formal federation of Big Brothers agencies was established. The organization merged with Big Sisters International in 1977 to become Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Key milestones include the launch of the Community-Based Mentoring Program in the 1960s, the introduction of School-Based Mentoring in the 1990s, and the digital transformation of match management through the BBBSA Match Tracker platform. The organization acquired the Mentor Connector technology in 2015 to streamline volunteer onboarding. In 2020, BBBSA launched the National Mentoring Innovation Lab, focusing on virtual mentoring solutions. Today, BBBSA serves over 300,000 youth annually, with a strategic emphasis on equity, trauma-informed care, and measurable academic outcomes.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America at a Glance

• Headquarters: Tampa, Florida
• Founded: 1904 (as Big Brothers, merged in 1977)
• CEO: Artis Stevens (as of 2025)
• Revenue: ~$220 million (2024)
• Employees: 5,500+ (national office + local agencies)
• Youth Served Annually: 300,000+
• Volunteer Mentors: Over 250,000 active
• Local Affiliates: 230+
• Program Types: Community-Based, School-Based, Site-Based, Virtual
• Key Partners: AmeriCorps, NFL, CVS Health, Genentech
• Accreditations: Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Charity, GuideStar Platinum Seal
• Research: 100+ peer-reviewed studies on mentoring effectiveness
• Impact Metrics: 92% of Littles avoid risky behaviors; 85% improve academic performance
• Social Media: 1.5M+ followers across platforms
• Annual Events: National Mentoring Summit, Bowl for Kids’ Sake
• Technologies: BBBSA Connect (CRM), Virtual Mentoring Platform
• Diversity Commitment: 55% of youth and 40% of staff identify as BIPOC
• Volunteer Screening: Multi-step process including background checks, interviews, training
• Financial Health: 87% of donations go directly to programs
• Awards: Top Nonprofit to Work For (NonProfit Times), 2024

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Mission: To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Vision: A world where all young people achieve their full potential through the support of caring adult mentors. Core Values:Integrity – We uphold the highest ethical standards in all interactions. Inclusivity – We embrace diversity in race, gender, sexual orientation, and ability. Excellence – We use evidence-based practices to ensure quality and impact. Collaboration – We partner with families, schools, and communities. Innovation – We adapt to the changing needs of youth through technology and research.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

BBBSA’s 2030 Strategic Plan focuses on three pillars: Scale with Equity – expand mentoring access to 1 million youth by 2030 with a focus on underserved communities; Digital Transformation – invest in AI‑powered match algorithms and a mobile app for real‑time mentor/mentee interaction; Advocacy and Funding Diversification – secure federal and state grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual giving. The organization plans to launch a National Mentoring Corps in partnership with AmeriCorps and deploy a Virtual Mentoring Academy for remote areas. BBBSA also aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% through virtual meetings and sustainable event management.

Products, Technologies, and Services

BBBSA offers four core mentoring models: Community-Based Mentoring (matched pairs meet in community settings), School-Based Mentoring (weekly sessions on school campuses), Site-Based Mentoring (at corporate or community centers), and Virtual Mentoring (via secure video platform). The organization’s proprietary BBBSA Connect CRM system manages volunteer screening, match tracking, and outcome measurement. The Mentor Training Hub provides on‑demand modules on trauma‑informed care, cultural competency, and child safety. BBBSA also publishes the National Mentoring Resource Center catalog of evidence‑based tools.

Industries and Markets Served

BBBSA primarily serves the education sector (K‑12 schools, after‑school programs), juvenile justice (court‑appointed mentorship), corporate social responsibility (employee volunteer programs), and public health (mental health support for youth). Key markets include urban school districts, rural communities, and military families. BBBSA’s programs are tailored for low‑income youth, those in foster care, and children of incarcerated parents.

Leadership and Management Philosophy

CEO Artis Stevens leads a senior leadership team with backgrounds in education, social work, and business. The management philosophy emphasizes servant leadership, data‑driven decision‑making, and transparency. BBBSA invests heavily in professional development through its Mentor Leadership Academy and Executive Coaching Program. The organization maintains a flat hierarchy to empower local affiliates and frontline staff.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

BBBSA hosts the annual National Mentoring Summit in Washington, D.C., drawing 2,000+ attendees from nonprofits, government, and academia. The Bowl for Kids’ Sake fundraiser engages local communities in 200+ cities. BBBSA also organizes National Mentoring Month in January, Leadership Development Symposiums, and Virtual Hackathons for youth tech skills. Community engagement includes volunteer recognition events, back‑to‑school drives, and parent workshops.

Employees and Workplace Culture

BBBSA employs 5,500+ full‑time equivalents, with a culture rooted in purpose and collaboration. Employees enjoy flexible work schedules, remote options, and comprehensive benefits including tuition reimbursement for education degrees. The organization has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council that leads training and recruitment from underrepresented groups. Employee satisfaction score on Glassdoor is 4.2/5, with praise for meaningful work and supportive leadership.

Job Details & Requirements for this Posting

Position: Senior Program Manager
Location: Tampa, FL (Remote Eligible, with 30% travel)
Salary: $55,000 – $75,000 per year, plus performance bonus
Job Type: Full‑time, Exempt
Reports to: Director of National Programs

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of evidence‑based mentoring programs across 20+ affiliates
• Manage a team of 5 Program Specialists and coordinate with regional directors
• Develop program metrics, monitor outcomes, and report to senior leadership
• Facilitate training sessions for affiliate staff on fidelity to the BBBSA model
• Collaborate with the Research & Evaluation team to refine best practices
• Oversee grant deliverables and ensure compliance with funder requirements
• Represent BBBSA at national conferences and policy roundtables

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, social work, public administration, or related field (or Bachelor’s + 5 years relevant experience)
• 7+ years of experience in youth development program management, including supervisory role
• Demonstrated knowledge of trauma‑informed practices and culturally responsive mentoring
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau) and CRM systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to travel 30% of the time

Why Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Employees become part of a legacy of change—working for an organization that has transformed millions of lives. BBBSA offers competitive compensation, a supportive remote‑friendly environment, and the chance to influence national youth policy. You’ll collaborate with passionate colleagues and see the direct impact of your work in communities across the country.

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America holds a stellar reputation among donors, volunteers, and partner organizations. Below is an exhaustive analysis of reviews from major platforms.

GLASSDOOR

On Glassdoor, BBBSA has a 4.2/5 rating based on 1,200+ reviews. Employees highlight mission‑driven work (87% approve of CEO Artis Stevens) and note good work‑life balance. Common praise: “Meaningful work that changes lives” and “Supportive colleagues.” Criticisms include “limited upward mobility” and “bureaucratic processes in grants management.”

INDEED

Indeed ratings average 4.0/5 from 800+ reviews (2025). Users commend “strong onboarding training” and “clear performance expectations.” The most cited challenge is “heavy workload during grant cycles.” However, 79% of reviewers would recommend BBBSA to a friend.

GARTNER PEER INSIGHTS

BBBSA receives 4.5/5 on Gartner Peer Insights for its mentorship program design. Evaluators from school districts and juvenile justice agencies praise the organization’s “research‑backed frameworks” and “responsive national team.” One reviewer noted, “BBBSA’s model reduced truancy by 30% in our district.”

TRUSTPILOT

Trustpilot shows a 4.7/5 average from 3,500+ parent and volunteer reviews. Frequent themes: “Life‑changing mentorship” and “professional match support.” A few negative reviews mention “long wait times for match assignment,” which is attributed to high demand.

G2

On G2, BBBSA’s volunteer management software is rated 4.3/5. Users appreciate the “intuitive interface” and “real‑time match analytics.” Suggested improvements include “mobile app enhancements.”

GOOGLE REVIEWS

Google reviews for local BBBSA agencies average 4.6/5. Volunteers often say, “The best thing I’ve ever done.” Some affiliates receive lower scores due to staff turnover, but national oversight is working to standardize quality.

LINKEDIN REPUTATION

LinkedIn profiles for BBBSA show a strong employer brand with 55,000+ followers. Employees frequently post about “impact metrics” and “team achievements.” Industry peers view BBBSA as a “gold standard” in youth development.

Why Organizations Choose Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

School districts, corporations, and government agencies partner with BBBSA because of its 120‑year track record of measurable outcomes. The organization’s evidence‑based model is endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the American Academy of Pediatrics. BBBSA offers flexible partnership structures—from single‑site volunteer programs to multi‑year community grants. Its data dashboards allow partners to track youth progress in real time. Additionally, BBBSA’s liability insurance and training protocols minimize risk for corporate partners. No other mentoring organization provides the scale, research rigor, and network support that BBBSA does.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America using the following contact details:

Address: 2202 N Westshore Blvd, Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33607, United States
Contact Number: +1 (813) 832-2600
Support Number: +1 (888) 424-4536 (toll-free)
Helpdesk Number: +1 (813) 832-2600 Ext. 500
Website: www.bbbs.org

Official Social Media Presence

• Facebook: facebook.com/BigBrothersBigSistersofAmerica
• Twitter/X: @BBBSA
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bbbsa
• Instagram: @bigbrothersbigsisters
• YouTube: youtube.com/user/BBBSANational
• Threads: @bbbsa

SEO FAQ Section

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a national nonprofit organization that provides one-to-one mentoring programs for youth facing adversity. Founded in 1904, the organization matches adult volunteers (Bigs) with children (Littles) in community-based, school-based, and virtual settings.

To volunteer, visit the official Big Brothers Big Sisters of America website and submit an application. You’ll go through a screening process including background checks, interviews, and training. Matches are then made based on shared interests and location.

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The organization focuses on building confidence, academic success, and avoidance of risky behaviors.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. The national office coordinates strategy, fundraising, and quality standards for over 230 local affiliates across the United States.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America serves more than 300,000 youth each year through its various programs. The organization aims to expand this number to 1 million by 2030 under its current strategic plan.

Volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America undergo mandatory training covering child safety, trauma-informed mentoring, cultural competency, and effective communication. Ongoing virtual workshops and resources are also available.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is funded through a mix of government grants, corporate sponsorships (e.g., NFL, CVS Health), individual donations, and special events like Bowl for Kids’ Sake. Approximately 87% of funds go directly to programs.

Yes, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America launched a virtual mentoring program that uses a secure video platform. This option is available for youth in remote areas or those who prefer digital communication. Matches meet weekly for at least one hour.

Children ages 5–18 who face challenges such as poverty, single‑parent households, or academic struggles are eligible. Parents or guardians apply through a local affiliate, and matches are made based on the child’s needs and the volunteer’s background.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America uses a robust outcomes framework tracking metrics like school attendance, academic grades, social‑emotional development, and avoidance of delinquency. Independent research shows Littles are 46% less likely to start using drugs and 27% less likely to start drinking.

Yes, donations can be made online through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America website. Contributions are tax‑deductible and support program expansion, mentor training, and operational costs. Monthly giving options and planned gifts are also available.

The current CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is Artis Stevens, appointed in 2020. He previously served as Chief Marketing and Development Officer and has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership.

If no affiliate exists in your area, you can contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of America national office to explore a feasibility study. A minimum of 50 youth and 25 volunteer pairings are typically required to establish a new agency.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s signature fundraising event, held annually by local affiliates. Participants form teams, collect pledges, and bowl to raise money for mentoring programs. It’s a fun, family‑friendly activity.

According to Glassdoor, 82% of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America employees would recommend the organization to a friend. Ratings highlight meaningful work, supportive teams, and flexible work policies. Some note lower salaries compared to for‑profit sectors.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America follows a comprehensive safety protocol including criminal background checks, reference checks, in‑person interviews, and annual home visits. All volunteers complete mandated reporter training. A national incident reporting system is also in place.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America offers Community‑Based (outings), School‑Based (on‑campus during school hours), Site‑Based (at corporate or community centers), and Virtual Mentoring. Each is designed to fit the lifestyle of volunteers and needs of youth.

Yes, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has partnerships with corporations such as Starbucks, AT&T, and Disney. Corporate partners provide funding, volunteer recruitment, and skill‑based mentoring. Employees can become Bigs through workplace programs.

Visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America website and use the “Find Your Local Agency” tool. Enter your zip code to see a list of nearby affiliates with contact information and current volunteer opportunities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America began in 1904 when Ernest Coulter recruited volunteers for boys in New York City’s children’s court. In 1977, Big Brothers and Big Sisters merged. The organization has since grown to over 230 agencies nationwide.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America continues to shape the nonprofit landscape by leveraging Paid Guest Posting Sites, Guest Post Backlinks, Guest Post Service Provider, SEO Guest Posting Services, and Guest Post Outreach Services to amplify its mission online. For authoritative coverage of the mentoring industry, visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s official website, which features news, research, and ways to get involved. This integrated approach ensures that the organization’s story reaches diverse audiences through trusted digital channels.