2025 marks a significant milestone for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Vermont (BBBSVT), which is celebrating 50 years of empowering youth through meaningful, one-on-one mentoring relationships across the Green Mountain State.
Founded in 1975 through Youth Services, BBBSVT has matched thousands of “Littles” with caring adult “Bigs,” fostering relationships that help young people realize their full potential. The organization’s mission remains as powerful as ever: to ignite the power and promise of youth by providing consistent, supportive mentorship at no cost to families.
“This anniversary is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to support its young people,” said Stacy Kramer, executive director of BBBSVT. “As we celebrate 50 years of mentoring in Vermont, we are filled with gratitude for our mentors, supporters, our team that works tirelessly to make impactful matches, and—most importantly—the youth and families who place their trust in us.”
The celebration comes during Mental Health Awareness Month, underscoring the importance of trusted adult role models in young people’s lives. Research shows that one in five youth between ages 3 and 17 experience emotional, developmental, or behavioral challenges. For these youth, mentorship can be a stabilizing, life-changing force—helping to reduce depression symptoms and improve social acceptance, academic motivation, and overall well-being.
A recent economic impact study titled The Long-Term Impacts of Mentors: Evidence from Experimental and Administrative Data, conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Harvard University, affirms the lasting influence of mentorship on education, behavior, and career outcomes.
Key findings include:
20% increase in college enrollment of mentored youth.
15% higher income for Littles between the ages of 20 and 25 compared to non-mentored peers.
Socioeconomic disparity was reduced by two-thirds, with adult incomes aligning more closely with mentors than with families of origin.
The results speak volumes: 96% of Littles in the past year said their mentor made a positive difference in their life, and 87% believe they’ll succeed after high school. Compared to their peers, mentored youth are:
52% less likely to skip school
46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
27% less likely to start drinking
Over five decades, BBBSVT has continually adapted to meet evolving needs, expanding programs while staying true to its core commitment—building strong, individualized mentor-mentee relationships that make a lifelong difference.
Looking to the future, BBBSVT is calling on community members to get involved and help shape the next 50 years. Whether by becoming a mentor, making a donation, encouraging workplace participation, or sponsoring a program, there are many ways to make a lasting impact.
“Mentorship changes two lives: theirs and yours,” Kramer said. “Together, we are fueling dreams, creating opportunities, and giving Vermont youth a chance to reach their potential.”
For more information, visit: bbbsvt.org.
