Black Youth Need Mentors Who Reflect Their Experiences
Big Brothers Big Sisters matches youth (Littles) with caring adult mentors (Bigs). We don’t believe in labeling kids — but we also understand how people search for support. Many families, educators, and community members look for phrases like “Black youth mentoring programs” or “mentorship for Black males near me” because they’re trying to find meaningful guidance and positive role models.
Maybe you’re a parent looking for a mentoring program where your child feels understood. Maybe you’re a teacher, coach, or social worker searching for resources to recommend. Or maybe you’re an adult who remembers how powerful it is to have someone who looks like you, listens to you, and believes in your potential—and you’re ready to be that person for a young man today. If you’re the latter, this page is for you.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A CHILD’S LIFE.
BBBS of Broward is Closing the Gap
Nationally, 65% of the youth enrolled in BBBS programs are BIPOC — black, indigenous or people of color — while only 32.3% of Bigs identify as BIPOC.* Here in Broward County, we’re closing the gap: Roughly 90% of our Littles and 67% of our Bigs are BIPOC.
To fill the gap, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward aims to recruit and match more Black, indigenous or people of color to serve as mentors to the more than 300 boys on our waiting list. You can read more about our Bigs, Littles and mentoring statistics from our annual report.
Why We Need Mentors For Black Youth (BIGS)
Let us be clear: Children of all ages and backgrounds benefit from mentors! The reason that we seek to recruit more African-American and Black mentors in Broward County is that we want children to see themselves in their mentors. Matching a young minority child with a mentor who looks like them, helps them see possibilities.
Bigs and Littles report stronger relationships and feelings of closeness when they are of the same race/ethnicity, according to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s 2023 Annual Impact Report (p. 32). It makes sense: Kids feel more comfortable when they’re with people who can relate to them.
BBBS Bigs support Littles in meaningful, lasting ways:
- Positive role models: Many Black youth benefit from spending time with adults who share similar backgrounds and life experiences. Bigs model possibility, consistency, and success — and help Littles envision what’s next for them.
- Confidence and self-esteem: Bigs provide encouragement and emotional support, helping Littles feel seen, valued, and capable. Over time, this builds confidence and motivation.
- Academic support: Mentors help Littles develop better study habits, organization, and problem-solving skills, which helps set them up for success in school and beyond.
- Career exploration: Bigs introduce Littles to new interests, career paths, and opportunities they may not otherwise be exposed to, helping them imagine and work toward their goals.
- Cultural connection and understanding: Mentorship grounded in shared experience helps youth feel understood while also fostering pride, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
Overall, mentoring children can have a significant positive impact on their academic and personal development, as well as contribute to building a more diverse and inclusive society.
FAQs About BBBS and Our Call for Black Male Mentors
Where can I find mentoring programs for young Black males near me?
BBBS of Broward is one of several mentoring programs for youth of all backgrounds. Our organization has decades of experience and is nationally recognized for its one-to-one, community-based mentoring model. Families and caregivers can also look to local schools, social service agencies, faith-based organizations, and community centers for mentoring resources. If you’re interested in a program that emphasizes long-term, careful mentoring matches, BBBS of Broward is a great place to start.
How much time do volunteers need?
When Bigs sign up with BBBS of Broward, we ask them to commit to seeing their Littles 2 times a month for 1 to 2 hours, for a total of 4 hours a month. Yes, we all have the same 24 hours available every day, and many of us spend 1/3 of our time working, 1/3 of our time sleeping, and another 1/3 of that time taking care of personal business, eating, learning, exercising, doing personal projects, socializing and doing leisure activities. How could a Little fit into that busy schedule? Could you forgo one hour of social media, TV and phone usage a week, and spend that time with a child in need of a mentor?
Why is Big Brothers Big Sisters specifically seeking Black male mentors?
*according to the BBBSA Annual Impact Report of 2021.
Youth in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward Program*
*Based on our Annual Report 2024