Broward County Public Schools endorsement expands mentorship opportunities for students across the district
Submitted by Diana Hanford
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County (BBBSB) has reached a major milestone in expanding youth mentorship opportunities throughout South Florida after receiving official district-wide partnership approval from Broward County Public Schools.
With the endorsement of The School Board of Broward County and Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn, BBBSB will now be able to expand mentoring opportunities across all schools within the district, removing previous barriers that limited access at certain campuses. The landmark multi-year partnership will remain in effect through October 31, 2029.
The approval significantly strengthens the organization’s ability to connect more students with caring adult mentors through school-based programs focused on academic achievement, emotional well-being, career readiness and personal growth.
“This partnership represents a transformative moment for the youth of Broward County,” said Malena Mendez, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. “With the support of Broward County Public Schools, we can expand access to mentorship and ensure more students have positive role models helping guide them toward brighter futures. Our mission aligns naturally with the district’s commitment to empowering students and helping them achieve success.”
BBBSB has maintained longstanding relationships with Broward County schools, students and district employees for years, but this district-wide approval will now allow mentorship programs to expand more efficiently and reach students across campuses throughout Broward County.
Through school-based mentoring, students are paired with trusted mentors who provide encouragement, guidance and consistent support in environments where young people already spend much of their time learning and developing. Research continues to demonstrate the positive impact mentorship can have on confidence, attendance, academics and long-term outcomes for youth.
Programs available through the partnership include:
- Bigs Inspiring Scholastic Success, a school-based mentoring initiative designed to improve grades and classroom behavior for academically at-risk students.
- BIG Futures, a college and career readiness initiative that prepares youth for post-secondary success through mentoring, scholarships and workforce development opportunities.
- Little Steps, Big Strides, a wellness initiative connecting youth and families with counseling and mental health resources.
- Mentoring Children of Promise, supporting youth impacted by incarceration within their families.
- BIGPride, a mentoring initiative designed to support LGBTQ+ youth through affirming and supportive relationships.
- Bigs with Badges, connecting youth with law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders and military personnel.
According to BBBSB’s 2025 Impact Report:
- 100% of Littles enrolled in Bigs Inspiring Scholastic Success graduated high school.
- Almost 97% of youth participating in Mentoring Children of Promise avoided involvement in the juvenile justice system.
- Nearly 94% of youth in Bigs with Badges maintained or improved attitudes toward risky behaviors.
The district will support the partnership through ongoing collaboration and data sharing, including attendance records, report cards and student outcome surveys to help track program success.
The partnership was championed by BBBSB Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Becker, along with Broward County School Board members Debra Hixon and Nora Rupert and Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor/Commissioner Ben Sorensen. Rupert, a former Big herself, shared a personal connection to the organization during the school board meeting where the partnership received unanimous approval.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters is fantastic,” Rupert said. “We did all sorts of things with our Littles. This is such a great organization, so I’m happy to support it.”
Hixon added, “Thank you to Big Brothers Big Sisters for pouring into our students. It’s important and we truly value the partnership.”
BBBSB Board Chair Marlene Williams, Vice Chair Lania Rittenhouse and board members David Greenberger and Michael Velazquez attended the school board meeting in support of the proposal.
To become a mentor or learn more about the organization’s programs, visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County
For more than 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County has offered unprecedented access to resources to empower youth to reach their full potential through meaningful mentoring relationships. These mentoring relationships build self-confidence and emotional well-being, encourage young people to stay on a path to graduation and higher education, and help them establish a plan for a successful future. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County is to ignite the power and promise of youth. For more information, visit bbbsbroward.org.
