Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA Honored with 2025 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Growth Award

Harrisburg, PA (April 20, 2026) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA has been recognized as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Growth Award Winner for program excellence in 2025. Every year, the BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local agency leaders and board members, selects agencies for excellence in the organization’s signature 1-to-1 youth mentoring program. Out of more than 230 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA is one of 60 organizations to receive this top honor.

The Growth Award recognizes agencies that have demonstrated strategic growth in the number of mentors (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”) matched through the program, year over year. In the past 5 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA has served 5,700 youth and grown its local services by 277% percent.

“I am incredibly proud of our board and staff for their dedication to expanding mentorship opportunities for young people in Central PA,” said Amy Rote, President and CEO.  “Their commitment to growing our matches ensures that even more children have access to life-changing relationships. This achievement reflects the power of mentorship and the impact we can create together in building a brighter future for our community.”

For 120 years, BBBSA has been dedicated to advancing equity, impact, and growth across the organization, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Today, the organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships, helping build self-confidence and emotional well-being and empowering young people on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures and a mentor whose impact can last a lifetime.

"Real growth goes beyond metrics — it's about extending the reach and transforming the lives of young people who need mentorship most," said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of BBBSA. " This agency has shown an extraordinary dedication to expanding access and opportunity, connecting more volunteers with more youth than ever before.

Their commitment to engaging a diverse range of mentors reflects their firm conviction that every young person deserves a caring advocate in their corner. We celebrate their leadership and the meaningful, lasting change they continue to inspire." 

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 230 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states. For more information, visit: bbbs.org. 

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PABig Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Serving seven counties, the organization is committed to ensuring every young person has access to a caring adult mentor and the opportunity to achieve their full potential. For more information, visit: bbbsscpa.org