A Look at Big Brothers Big Sisters

Comcast’s national partner, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. BBBS mentors children, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country.

The BBBS mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth.

National research has shown that positive relationships between youth and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters mentors have a direct and measurable impact on children's lives. By participating in our youth mentoring programs, Little Brothers and Sisters are:

• More confident in their schoolwork performance
• Able to get along better with their families
• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school

Visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters website

Comcast’s Commitment

In July 2008, BBBS of America and Comcast launched a three-year, $10 million partnership. In addition to the financial support, Comcast will also provide:

• Program sponsorships
• National and local board member support
• Comcast University Leadership Development and Training scholarships for BBBS staff leaders
• Airtime for public service announcements

View the Big Brothers Big Sisters Public Service Announcement

The John Alchin Beyond School Walls Program

In honor of retired co-CFO John Alchin, Comcast has introduced the John Alchin “Beyond School Walls” mentoring program. The program kicked off November 6, 2008 at the company’s corporate headquarters. Over the next two years it will expand to nine other Comcast sites. “Bigs” in the Beyond School Walls programs spend one-on-one time with their “Littles” during the school day. In this first stage of the program, Littles from Fairhill School in the city’s Kensington section have lunch with their Bigs every other week at Comcast. Afterward they may play games, work on a craft project together, or visit their Big’s office to get a glimpse of corporate America. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters has documented the positive impact on young people who participate in Beyond School Walls mentoring programs. Littles show an increase in academic performance, feel more competent academically, are less likely to skip school and feel that they would attend and finish college.

For more information about our partnership, please contact Beth Maggio, Director, Public Affairs, at 215.286.4649 or Elizabeth_Maggio@Comcast.com.