Statement from Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City President & CEO Hector Batista Commending the Obama Administration’s My Brother’s Keeper Success Mentors Initiative

“As the nation’s oldest mentoring program, we’ve witnessed the power of mentoring to change lives for over 100 years, which is why we applaud the Obama Administration’s new My Brother’s Keeper Success Mentors Initiative. The significance of the first-ever national mentoring program targeting the highest risk students cannot be overstated, and will bring positive role models into the communities that need them most across the nation.

We know that among the many benefits of having a mentor, mentoring significantly reduces absenteeism in students. 98 percent of students paired with a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters Community Impact Program achieved an attendance rate of 80 percent or higher, deeming them college ready by Department of Education standards.

For all the quantifiable ways that mentoring changes lives, there are countless other ways having a mentor makes a lasting impact on an individuals’ future. We look forward to supporting the My Brother’s Keeper Success Mentors Initiative, and commend the Administration’s commitment to mentorship.”

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City
Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBS of NYC), the nation’s first and NYC’s largest youth mentoring organization, has served the changing needs of New York City’s most at-risk youth since 1904. The volunteer- and donor-based organization offers a variety of specialized mentoring programs to help children facing more complex challenges – including immigrant youth, teen mothers and children of incarcerated parents – as well as the Workplace Mentoring Center, which helps businesses throughout New York City positively impact the lives of young people and build a foundation for professional success. Additionally, since 1992 BBBS of NYC has worked through its Center for Training and Professional Development to equip non-profit professionals throughout New York City to develop and enhance their own mentoring and youth-development programs and organizations.

Through the support of individuals, foundations and corporations, this not-for-profit agency has been able to change the lives of the city’s most disadvantaged children, matching them with caring adult role models – dependable friends who can help to expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures. To learn more, become a mentor and/or offer support, please visit www.bigsnyc.org.