TOGETHER WE ARE DEFENDERS OF POTENTIAL
We create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth
IN 2026 OUR MENTORS MADE AN IMPACT
100%%
increased or maintained level of family connectedness
23%
significantly decreased depressive symptoms
50%
of our Littles significantly increased academic performance
HOW WE HELP CAPITAL REGION KIDS
Our Mission
Our mission is to create and support professionally guided one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
About Us
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region (BBBSCR) is a regionally-operated and locally-funded non-profit organization that serves New York’s Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady counties. We match children (we call them “Littles”) with mentors (we call them “Bigs”) to create supportive, long-lasting, and life-changing relationships.
LEARN MOREWhy Our Youth Mentoring Programs Work
We recognize that while talent is equally distributed, opportunity is not. At BBBSCR we believe that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. Our mentoring programs emphasize:
• Educational success
• College readiness
• Exposure to career opportunities
• Development of pro-social behaviors
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A BIG
Becoming a Big means showing up for a young person in the Capital Region who could benefit from having another caring adult in their corner. Through consistency, encouragement, and shared experiences, you can help your Little build confidence, discover their potential, and feel supported as they grow.
Together, you’ll spend time doing everyday things — grabbing ice cream, shooting hoops, exploring local events, trying new hobbies, talking about life, or simply hanging out. It’s the simple moments and steady presence that make the biggest difference. Research shows that mentorship changes lives. Young people matched with mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters are more likely to succeed academically, build stronger relationships, and develop greater confidence in themselves and their future. You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to show up and be yourself.
