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Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks $2 million to expand mentoring into 20 rural Michigan counties
Summary
Big Brothers Big Sisters representatives asked for a $2 million one‑time grant to launch structured mentoring in 20 additional rural counties, citing a low per‑match cost under their model and outcomes including higher graduation rates and reduced absenteeism.
Rep. Outman and leaders from Big Brothers Big Sisters requested a $2,000,000 appropriation to expand mentoring services into 20 additional rural counties. Agency leaders said their Mid Michigan and Northwest Michigan affiliates currently operate a scalable school‑based model with a low average cost per match (~$785) compared with a national average (~$2,400), and they projected adding roughly 350 matches per added county cohort over a three‑year rollout.
Speakers highlighted social‑return research and program metrics, including match duration beyond one year as a key success measure and school developmental‑asset outcomes tracked by partner schools. The organization said its model focuses on high schools as mentors and that agency growth over the last several years increased matches from single digits to hundreds with limited operating costs.
Committee members asked about metrics and how funds would be used; witnesses said the appropriation would fund program development and oversight in the target counties and was intended as a one‑time ask to establish sustainable programs that will draw local partners thereafter. The committee did not vote on the request during the hearing.
