Big Buddies Impact
Youth mentoring makes a substantial, positive difference in the lives of young people who need an additional caring adult in their lives. In an independent study completed by Dr. Eleanor Pobre at Southwest Minnesota State University tracking the academic scores, social behavior, attitudes of participants, and preparedness for the future, Dr. Pobre concluded that the Big Buddies program exceeded the national average of effectiveness by other youth mentoring programs. The Big Buddies program ranked well above others in the ability to increase self-esteem, increase academic performance, eliminate truancy, decrease violence among youth, and reduce or eliminate participation in risky behaviors such as consuming alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and engaging in teenage sexual activity.
For youth active in the Big Buddies program for 12 months or longer, 67% got a long better with teachers, 71% increased their grade point average by at least 1 full point, 85% liked school better, and 85% reported an increase in self-esteem and confidence.