Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County Receives $300,000 for Youth Mentorship Program

SAN DIEGO, CA. - Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County (BBBS San Diego) recently acquired $300,000 from the 2026-2027 state budget with the help of Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas) and Senator Catherine Blakespear (D-Encinitas). The funding will go toward expanding BBBS San Diego's Community-Based Mentoring Program (the program) aimed at prioritizing youth between the ages of 7 to 18 affected by violence.

"Mentorship can be life-changing, and for youth who may have experienced the harmful effects of violence, it can mean the difference between repeating history or becoming the first in their family to succeed. Investing in programs like BBBS San Diego's mentorship program can improve life outcomes for children who may not believe they have a future," stated Assemblymember Boerner. "These state funds will strengthen not only our youth in this program, but also our communities for generations to come. Thank you to Senator Blakespear for partnering with me on an essential investment, and to BBBS San Diego for promising better futures for these kids."

"I am thrilled that Assemblymember Boerner and I could secure funding in the state budget for Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County," said Senator Catherine S. Blakespear. "All children need love, support and guidance, especially if they are victims of violence. I am thankful to Big Brothers Big Sisters for what it does to mentor youth in San Diego County and help them grow into strong, compassionate and confident adults, which pays huge dividends not only to the individuals but to the community at large."

"This investment represents an extraordinary commitment to the young people in our community who need us most," said Tina Rose, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County. "For children who have experienced violence, a consistent, caring adult can be a powerful source of stability and hope. This funding will allow us to expand access to those relationships, helping more young people build the confidence and resilience to shape their own futures. We are deeply grateful to Assemblymember Boerner and Senator Blakespear for recognizing that investing in mentorship is not only an investment in individual children, but in the long-term strength and well-being of our entire community."

Since January 2025, the program has served nearly 700 youth in San Diego County. Children who participate in the program are 50% less likely to leave high school before graduation, 42% of youth were less likely to contemplate suicide, and there was a 35% drop in violence-related behaviors in mentored youth.