Big Brothers Big Sisters has earned its reputation as one of the best youth mentoring programs in the nation.

Our reputation is due in part to our highly structured programs, and for providing professional match support services for the mentors, mentees and their parents throughout the life of the match.

People are most familiar with our community based mentoring program, but did you know there are other ways to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sister of Rhode Island, and have a positive impact in a child's life?

Big Sister Jasmine + Little Sister Kaliyah

Community Based Mentoring

Our Community Based Mentoring Program pairs at-risk youth between the ages of 7 and 15, in long-term, one-to-one relationships with volunteer mentors who are 19 years or older. We place a great deal of effort into pairing our children ("Littles") with the adult mentor ("Bigs") that will work best for them. Littles and Bigs are paired on the basis of, proximity, personality, common interests, the child’s needs, and the volunteer’s strengths. Together, the Big and Little decide on their outings and activities within the community. Although the program only requires a minimum commitment of 18 months, many relationships last long after the program concludes. Some become lifelong friendships.

Maurice + Malachi



Site Based Mentoring

Site Based Mentoring pairs working professionals with elementary and middle school students in need of additional academic support or personal encouragement. The mentoring takes place in a supervised group setting at a school or community site. Mentoring is typically 1 hour per week during the school year.

2019 Big Couple Of The Year Michael and Kelly Kinnicutt



Big Couples

Couples can also choose to mentor a child together. This variation of our traditional community based mentoring allows a married or partnered couple to mentor together. Being in a Big Couples match means you will be paired with a deserving boy between the ages of 7 and 15.

A Big and his Little participating in a science experiment at Amgen.



Beyond School Walls

Beyond School Walls is a partnership between BBBSRI, Rhode Island businesses, and local elementary and middle schools to bring groups of their students out of the classroom and into the workplace. Curriculum includes structured STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) based activities and mentoring sessions that will engage students in positive, empowering mentoring relationships, as well as excite them about learning and career exploration, particularly in STEM fields.

In the past we have partnered with businesses like Amgen, Hasbro, and Schneider Electric for our Beyond School Walls program.