In January, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) unveiled a landmark study conducted by researchers from Harvard University and the U.S. Department of Treasury that highlighted the profound economic and social benefits of youth mentorship programs. This research, encompassing three decades of data, provides compelling evidence that mentorship is not only transformative for individual lives (both mentors and mentees) but also a cost-effective strategy for societal advancement.
Policymakers are among the key audiences who should learn about this study so they can better understand why government investment in mentorship is paramount and cost-effective for the economic well-being of the youth we serve. BBBSA encourages BBBS agencies to talk about the study when you meet with your policymakers at any level of government. Most policymakers don’t realize or understand the role and relationship that mentorship plays in boosting a young person’s earnings, uplifting them to further their education, and raising their social mobility.
By discussing the study, they will recognize and appreciate the return on investment that BBBS’ mentorship programs have at a time when our economy is vastly changing, and many legislators want to support policies and government investment in programs that will make sure our youth are better prepared for our nation’s economic challenges and opportunities.
Strategies for Using the Research to Support your Advocacy
There are a few ways that you can utilize the economic impact study to boost your advocacy efforts whether that’s building a stronger relationship with your legislators, strengthening your government grant applications, or further mobilizing community support for your agency.
- Engage Policymakers with Data-Driven Insights: Present the study's findings to legislators when you advocate our policy priorities. Emphasize the program's return on investment and its role in economic development in their local community.
- Strengthen Government Grant Applications: Incorporate the research into grant proposals to demonstrate the program's effectiveness and cost-efficiency, thereby enhancing the likelihood of securing funding from public funding sources.
- Mobilize Community Support: Share the study's outcomes with community stakeholders, including businesses, educational institutions, and civic organizations, to foster partnerships and opportunities for shared programming and funding pursuits.
Economic Impact Research Talking Points for Policymakers
When meeting with policymakers, we encourage you to raise one or more of these points to further justify our policy priorities and legislative asks:
- Enhanced Economic Mobility: Mentored youth experienced a 15% increase in earnings between ages 20 and 25. Notably, their adult income levels aligned more closely with their mentors than their family backgrounds, effectively reducing the socioeconomic gap by two-thirds.
- Higher Educational Attainment: Participants were 20% more likely to attend college compared to their non-mentored peers.
- Improved Behavioral Outcomes: Within 18 months, mentored youth reported lower absenteeism and fewer school suspensions, indicating better engagement and discipline.
- Reduced Dependency on Social Services: The study found that mentored individuals exhibited healthier social behaviors and stronger bonds, leading to decreased reliance on social support systems.
- Cost-Effectiveness: With BBBS mentoring program costs ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 per youth annually, the government can recoup its investment within seven years through increased tax revenues from higher earnings, making it one of the most cost-effective youth interventions available.
Conclusion
The recent research underscores the significant role that mentorship plays in shaping the economic and social trajectories of young people and the communities we serve. For BBBS agencies, this study serves as a powerful tool to leverage to better advocate for resources, partnerships, and policies that will expand mentorship programs.