Back-to-school season is a time of excitement and possibility.
New teachers, fresh supplies and lofty goals fill the air. But for many students, success depends on more than just textbooks and teachers—it hinges on having someone in their corner.
“Back-to-school is a fun time of year. Families are sending their kids off to school, and they have great expectations,” says Brian Ervin, vice president of programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Lone Star. “It’s statistically proven that students who have mentorship are more connected to learning, they have better attendance and overall, their grades are improved, just by having a mentor in their life.”
For Black boys especially, having a consistent, positive male figure outside the family can be life-changing. And right now, the need in Houston is urgent.
Great need locally
In Greater Houston, over 750 youth are waiting to be matched with a mentor—and more than three-fourths of them are boys of color.
“One of our biggest needs is men of color,” says Ervin. “To help get 750 youth off the waiting list, all we need you to do is step up and say, ‘I’m interested,’ and then my team will take you through the rest.”
The process is straightforward: Fill out an application, complete an interview and be paired based on shared interests.
“Surprisingly, it’s a very organic process,” Ervin adds. “We want matches that are sustainable.”
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston, making it the perfect time for community members to step up and make an impact.
Youth (“littles”) benefits
For mentees, known as “littles,” the benefits can be profound—better grades, stronger social skills and a broader view of what’s possible in life.
“At the end of the day, we can’t achieve what we can’t conceive,” says BBBS mentor Anthony Curtis. “For me, it’s all about just exposure, giving them opportunities to experience different things.”
From introducing them to new hobbies to encouraging their academic dreams, a mentor’s influence can redirect the trajectory of a young life.
Ervin emphasizes, “It really doesn’t matter your race, color, creed or gender. It’s really about the resources and opportunities that you are given that can make or break your trajectory in life.”
Mentors (“bigs”) benefits
While littles gain life-changing guidance, mentors—called “bigs”—often say they benefit just as much.
“The bigs say they get more out of it than the littles sometimes because it’s such a rewarding process,” Ervin shares. “I hear that continuously.”
Curtis, who’s been involved with BBBS since 2003, agrees.
“I recognized what I could have benefited from when I was a young person that I really didn’t have,” shared Curtis. “Mentoring gives me the chance to be that person for someone else.”
Mentoring misconceptions
Many potential mentors hesitate because they think they’re not “cool enough” or don’t have the time.
“A lot of times, people are intimidated by the process because they say, ‘I don’t even know what I would say to the kid. I don’t know what I would do,’” says Ervin. “It really just takes you saying, ‘You know what? I want to step up and be a mentor.’”
Curtis adds, “It’s not something that’s very expensive. A lot of times, people think it’s going to cost them a lot of money. Just let them tag along when you’re doing what you do through the course of your day. And there are a lot of free things that you can do as well.”
Mentoring activities
Big Brothers Big Sisters encourages pairs to bond over simple, everyday experiences:
- Sports & fitness – play basketball, run at the park, try a new sport together.
- Arts & culture – attend free museum days, watch local theater, explore music.
- Life skills – cook a meal together, learn basic car maintenance and create a budget.
- Community service – volunteer at a local food pantry or park cleanup.
- STEM exploration – visit a science center, work on a small tech project, try coding basics.
- Just hanging out – share a meal, walk in the neighborhood, talk about goals.
“It’s really about spending time,” says Curtis. “You don’t have to create an elaborate plan. Just be present and engaged.”
Call to action
As Ervin puts it, “The more people we have in this mission who are going to pour back into the youth, the more we’re paying it forward, and it’s going to be best for our future.”
Mentorship doesn’t just shape one child—it strengthens the community. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a mentor, now is the time.
Learn more at www.bbbstx.org and help change the trajectory of a young life.
