Big Night Out 2024
The 2024 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles (BBBSLA) Gala, themed "The Big Night Out," was held at the Beverly Hilton in the iconic International Ballroom. The event celebrated mentorship and raised over $600,000 to support youth mentorship programs across Los Angeles. Key honorees included former BET CEO Debra Lee and film producer Pamela Abdy. Lee received the Defender of Potential Award for her trailblazing leadership, which opened doors for women of color in media, while Abdy was presented with the Sherry Lansing Award for her contributions to empowering young women in entertainment.
During the evening, Lee reflected on the importance of giving back and supporting others, while Abdy announced a new collaboration between BBBSLA and Warner Bros. Discovery to launch a mentorship pilot program for high school students in 2025. Judge Michael D. Carter also received the Legacy Impact Award for his long-standing dedication to BBBSLA. The night was marked by heartfelt speeches, an emphasis on mentorship, and a celebration of impactful industry leaders committed to inspiring the next generation.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles: Inspiring and Empowering the Next Generation
Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles (BBBSLA) is a local chapter of the national Big Brothers Big Sisters of America organization, which has spent over a century creating life-changing mentorship relationships. The Los Angeles chapter stands out for its impactful community efforts, helping young people overcome adversity, reach their full potential, and foster meaningful connections that lead to brighter futures. Here, we’ll dive into what BBBSLA does, its unique programs, how it supports the community, and how you can get involved.
What is Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles?
BBBSLA is dedicated to mentoring young people—known as “Littles”—who face economic, social, and familial challenges. The organization pairs each Little with a dedicated mentor, or “Big,” who provides consistent support, guidance, and friendship. By matching mentors and mentees based on their personalities, interests, and backgrounds, BBBSLA ensures meaningful connections that can inspire confidence, resilience, and long-term success for the Littles.
This pairing is not random; each mentor-mentee match is carefully considered. BBBSLA looks at individual preferences, location, age, and mutual interests to set up matches that are likely to succeed. Research shows that youth involved in mentorship programs are more likely to graduate high school, avoid substance abuse, and feel more confident about their futures—all significant outcomes BBBSLA works to achieve.
BBBSLA’s Mission and Vision
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles is to empower youth to reach their potential through one-on-one mentorships, providing them with the tools and support to overcome barriers and envision a successful future. BBBSLA envisions a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive, and they’re making strides to ensure that’s a reality.
By focusing on underrepresented and underserved communities, BBBSLA is creating paths toward education, career success, and personal growth. Many of the youth served come from single-parent homes, low-income households, or face challenges such as lack of resources, academic struggles, and limited access to positive role models.
Core Programs of BBBSLA
BBBSLA offers several tailored programs to address the specific needs of Los Angeles youth, ranging from traditional one-on-one mentoring to specialized programs focused on educational and career guidance.
1. Community-Based Mentoring
The core of BBBSLA’s services is its community-based mentoring program, where “Bigs” and “Littles” meet up several times a month. The flexibility of this program allows the mentor and mentee to spend quality time doing activities they both enjoy, such as visiting a museum, hiking, or simply sharing a meal. These activities allow the Littles to learn new skills, explore interests, and build a lasting relationship with their Big. This program has demonstrated positive results in fostering trust, stability, and personal growth for youth in Los Angeles.
2. Site-Based Mentoring Programs
For those looking for mentorship in more structured environments, BBBSLA offers site-based mentoring. This program typically takes place at schools, workplaces, or other community centers, where Bigs and Littles meet at set times each week or month. Site-based mentoring is ideal for kids who may benefit from a more structured approach and for mentors who prefer a scheduled, predictable environment. This program often focuses on academic support, career guidance, and other goal-oriented activities, helping Littles envision academic and career success.
3. Workplace Mentoring Programs
BBBSLA has partnered with several corporations to offer workplace mentoring programs, allowing youth to gain valuable insights into potential career paths. These programs allow Littles to meet with professionals from various industries, participate in job shadowing, and learn real-world skills that prepare them for the workforce. By exposing youth to these opportunities, BBBSLA helps them envision and work towards ambitious career goals, often in fields that might otherwise feel inaccessible.
4. Beyond School Walls
The Beyond School Walls program connects youth directly with corporate mentors and workplace environments, offering them the chance to gain first-hand experience with business operations and see how their studies can apply to their future careers. Companies that participate in this program serve as role models and provide guidance to Littles on career options, financial literacy, and the importance of education. This program is ideal for middle and high school students interested in career development and is one of BBBSLA’s most impactful initiatives.
5. College & Career Success
BBBSLA offers a College and Career Success program specifically designed to prepare high school students for post-secondary education and careers. This program provides resources such as SAT preparation, college application guidance, internship opportunities, and career counseling. The program not only helps Littles prepare academically but also supports them in navigating the complex financial and social challenges of college life, including securing financial aid and adjusting to new environments.
Positive Outcomes and Impact of BBBSLA’s Mentorship Programs
The mentorship programs offered by BBBSLA make a profound difference. Research and feedback from BBBSLA show that young people in the program are more likely to have higher self-esteem, perform better academically, and stay out of trouble. Here are some specific ways BBBSLA’s mentorship programs contribute to positive outcomes:
Increased Academic Performance: BBBSLA’s programs have demonstrated significant success in improving the academic performance of mentees. Through tutoring, academic encouragement, and personal support, many Littles improve their grades and increase their interest in learning.
Emotional Resilience: A strong mentorship relationship provides Littles with a safe space to express themselves and seek advice. This support often leads to improved mental health and emotional well-being, enabling Littles to face challenges more confidently.
Career Readiness: With specialized programs that focus on workforce skills, BBBSLA is helping youth develop professional skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Littles gain exposure to industries and careers they might not otherwise consider, which can significantly expand their aspirations and plans.
Reduced Risky Behavior: Studies show that youth with mentors are less likely to engage in risky behaviors like substance abuse, truancy, and aggression. The guidance and positive influence of Bigs help Littles make informed and safe decisions.
Better Long-Term Prospects: Youth who participate in BBBSLA programs often show long-term improvements in both personal and professional areas of their lives. Many former Littles go on to attend college, pursue successful careers, and even become mentors themselves, thus giving back to the community.
How to Get Involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles
There are several ways you can get involved with BBBSLA, from becoming a mentor to supporting the organization through donations and advocacy.
1. Become a Big
Volunteering as a Big is one of the most impactful ways to get involved with BBBSLA. Mentors commit to spending time with their Littles at least twice a month for a minimum of one year. Being a mentor requires patience, dedication, and a genuine desire to support and inspire a young person. BBBSLA provides thorough training to ensure that mentors are prepared and have the skills necessary to foster a positive and supportive relationship.
2. Donate
BBBSLA relies on donations to fund its various programs, training, and resources. Financial support helps the organization cover the costs associated with background checks, recruitment, training, and the creation of educational materials. Donations of any amount go a long way in helping BBBSLA continue its mission of empowering youth through mentorship.
3. Corporate Partnerships
Many companies partner with BBBSLA through workplace mentoring programs, financial sponsorships, and fundraising events. Corporate partnerships not only support BBBSLA’s mission but also allow businesses to engage in meaningful social impact within the Los Angeles community.
4. Attend Fundraising Events
BBBSLA organizes several events throughout the year, including galas, sports tournaments, and auctions, all aimed at raising funds and awareness. Attending these events is a great way to support BBBSLA while also enjoying a memorable experience with other community members.
5. Advocate for Youth Mentorship
One of the simplest ways to support BBBSLA is to advocate for youth mentorship and spread the word about its importance. Sharing information about BBBSLA on social media, encouraging friends and family to volunteer, or organizing a fundraiser are all ways to make an impact.
The Lifelong Impact of Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles
The mentorship provided by BBBSLA has the potential to alter the course of a young person’s life. By connecting Littles with positive role models and providing resources, BBBSLA helps build self-confidence, inspire achievement, and open doors for youth who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities. It’s more than just mentoring—it’s life-changing support that nurtures the dreams and aspirations of the next generation.
Whether you’re interested in mentoring, donating, or simply advocating for BBBSLA, there are countless ways to make a difference. By supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles, you’re helping create a better, brighter future for the youth of Los Angeles and contributing to a stronger, more vibrant community.
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