BBBS Afterschool Programs

Milo the fox kneels in a Big Brothers Big Sisters hoodie, with icons of speech, mentoring, and stars inside a purple circle.
Milo the fox kneels in a Big Brothers Big Sisters hoodie, with icons of speech, mentoring, and stars inside a purple circle.
Built for matches. Ready for mentoring time.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is a nationally recognized mentoring organization that plays a critical role in supporting out-of-school time (OST) programs across the United States. Through its network of more than 230 local agencies, BBBS serves over 300,000 youth annually, providing one-on-one mentorship that complements traditional afterschool offerings. Many of these partnerships are coordinated with schools, 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), and community-based programs to extend learning and developmental opportunities beyond the school day.

The organization’s focus aligns closely with key goals of OST programming, including academic support, social-emotional learning (SEL), and equity-driven youth development. BBBS prioritizes access for children from underserved communities and historically marginalized groups, creating safe, consistent relationships that promote educational engagement and life readiness. BBBS programs receive support from a mix of private contributions, federal funding streams, and collaboration with public-sector initiatives such as Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which underwrites many 21st CCLC partnerships.

How MindWorks Benefits BBBS Afterschool Programs

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We know the power of one-to-one relationships — and our kits are designed to make those moments count. MindWorks gives mentors easy ways to build confidence, skills, and connection through hands-on learning.

MindWorks supports Big Brothers Big Sisters programs with ready-to-use academic kits designed to fit right into match sessions, afterschool sites, or enrichment clubs. Whether it’s during Power Hour, school-based mentoring, or weekend programming, our hands-on kits help Littles build real academic skills — and give mentors meaningful tools that require minimal prep. From early literacy to STEAM exploration, MindWorks helps BBBS deepen impact, support equity, and keep mentoring time engaging and purposeful.

BBBS Afterschool Impact

BBBS mentoring programs generate measurable benefits that strengthen youth outcomes across academic, social, and developmental domains. Studies show that mentored students are more likely to attend school consistently, avoid risky behaviors, and pursue higher education or career opportunities. The organization’s scale and emphasis on long-term relationships uniquely position it as a trusted partner in national OST efforts.

📚 Academic Outcomes

BBBS programs contribute to higher academic achievement by improving school performance, increasing homework completion, and strengthening learning habits through supportive adult guidance.

🏫 Attendance & Engagement

Youth involved in BBBS demonstrate better school-day attendance and fewer behavioral issues, often citing greater motivation and confidence in classroom participation.

🧠 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Mentors help youth develop emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, and resilience by modeling empathy, consistency, and healthy communication — key SEL competencies.

🎓 College & Career Readiness

BBBS fosters long-term goal setting and leadership by exposing mentees to new pathways in education, career exploration, and community involvement.

Sources: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Afterschool Alliance

Metro

BBBS programs are integrated into school districts, afterschool programs, YMCAs, and community centers. In many cities, BBBS collaborates with OST providers to extend mentoring into afterschool and summer hours.

Rural

In rural areas, BBBS offers site-based or community-based mentoring. Affiliates partner with schools, libraries, and churches, using hybrid models when distance is a challenge.

Federal Funding

BBBS affiliates often receive federal funds from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), AmeriCorps, and the Department of Education through 21st CCLC partnerships.

State Funding

State funding varies. In some states, BBBS affiliates are supported through juvenile justice, mentoring, and OST-specific grants administered by education or health departments.

All Funding Sources

  • Federal grants (OJJDP, AmeriCorps)
  • State mentoring and OST initiatives
  • Local United Ways and education foundations
  • Corporate partners: Comcast, Altria, AT&T
  • Individual donors and fundraising events

Family Involvement

Families can enroll their child through a local BBBS affiliate. Programs are typically free and offer regular check-ins and structured activities.

Partner Involvement

Afterschool programs and schools can refer students or co-host BBBS programming. BBBS also partners on grant applications and youth development initiatives.

BBBS Afterschool Resources

Related BBBS MindWorks Pages

See the following MindWorks pages for information about states, organizations, or products that may be relevant to BBBS.

States

  • Illinois – Strong BBBS presence across urban and rural communities, focusing on mentoring and academic support.
  • Pennsylvania – Hosts multiple BBBS affiliates that partner with schools for afterschool mentoring programs.
  • North Carolina – Statewide BBBS network actively engaged in afterschool enrichment and SEL.
  • Texas – BBBS serves thousands of youth in Texas through school- and community-based mentoring aligned with OST goals.
  • Florida – Active across the state, especially in metro areas, with mentoring programs tied to OST academic outcomes.

Organizations

  • Communities In Schools – Often partners with BBBS to support student mentoring and academic tracking during OST hours.
  • United Way – Major BBBS funder and community convener supporting afterschool mentoring initiatives.
  • Afterschool Alliance – Promotes BBBS as a mentoring model in national OST impact stories and policy advocacy.

Products

Our products are designed to enhance, not replace, the power of one-to-one relationships. Whether used during match sessions or at BBBS site-based programs, MindWorks kits help mentors and staff deliver meaningful academic support that builds confidence and connection — with minimal prep required.

  • Brain Boost – Perfect for match sessions or site-based academic time, with minimal-prep activities that help Littles build confidence in reading, math, and science.
  • Imaginate – Inspires creativity and collaboration through open-ended STEAM projects — great for weekend clubs or small-group enrichment.
  • Cornerstone – Provides structured, theme-based learning experiences ideal for afterschool or summer group mentoring sessions.
  • Base Camp – Offers playful, screen-free activities that help younger Littles build early math and literacy skills during mentoring or family events.

Want to strengthen your match sessions or site-based academic time with hands-on learning Littles will love? Contact Us to explore how MindWorks can support your BBBS program.