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Program Results
PROGRAM RESULTS

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Numerous studies have shown that having a Big Brother or Big Sister can have a positive effect on a child’s life in and out of school. Little Brothers and Sisters are:

• 46% less likely to start taking illegal drugs
• 27% less likely to start drinking alcohol
• 32% less likely to hit somebody
• 52% less likely to skip a day of school and 37% less likely to skip a single class

ALSO

• 64% developed more positive attitudes towards school
• 58% achieved higher grades
• 60% improved their relationships with adults, 56% with their peers
• 55% were better able to express their feelings
• 60% developed higher levels of self confidence
• 62% were more likely to trust their teachers

Sources: Making A Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Public Private Ventures, USA, (1994) and Big Brothers Big Sisters School- Based Mentoring: An Evaluation Summary of Five Pilot Programs

The Angus Reid Final Report (2000) found that at the end of a Big Brother/Big Sister relationship:

Little Brothers and Sisters see their parent in a more favorable light at the end of the relationship and demonstrate a stronger sense of being accepted for who they are

Little Brothers and Sisters have a decrease of anger/frustration and worry
  • Little Brothers and Sisters are less often sad/unhappy now, less fearful or anxious, more persevering and less likely to be restless or hyperactive or to cry excessively
  • Little Brothers and Sisters are more likely to step in and stop an argument
  • Little Brothers and Sisters are less likely to get into fights at the close of the relationship than they were before being involved in the Program
  • Little Brothers and Sisters are less likely to lose their temper when they get angry
  • Little Brothers and Sisters are more likely to handle problems on their own