Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida Secures $8.9 Million State Funding for Mentoring Programs

Tallahassee, FL — Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida (BBBSAF) is proud to announce the approval of $8.9 million in state funding for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, strengthening evidence-based mentoring programs that create brighter futures for young people across Florida. This investment will enable BBBSAF's statewide network of 11 agencies to continue serving more than 16,000 children, youth, and families through life-changing one-to-one mentoring relationships.

This achievement was made possible through the dedicated advocacy of The Mayernick Group in Tallahassee and strong legislative champions in the Florida Legislature.

State Appropriation Strengthens Proven Mentoring Programs

The 2026–2027 appropriation will support four statewide mentoring initiatives that address some of Florida's greatest needs. Delivered through BBBSAF's 11 local agencies, these programs connect young people with trained adult mentors who help them improve academic success, prepare for the workforce, build positive relationships, and reduce juvenile justice involvement.

Bigs Inspiring Scholastic Success (B.I.S.S.) Program

Funded by the Florida Department of Education, the BISS program focuses on increasing graduation rates, improving academic performance, and boosting school engagement through one-to-one youth mentoring. Partnered with over 350 schools statewide, BISS helps youth build essential academic skills, improve attendance, and achieve on-time grade progression. Senator Trumbull and Representative Melo were the primary sponsors of the funding proposal in the Senate and House.

School-To-Work / Beyond School Walls Program

Funded by the Florida Department of Commerce, this program prepares Florida youth for the workforce through career readiness mentoring. Youth participate in job shadowing, career exploration, and skill development, gaining access to scholarships and pathways to higher education and economic mobility. Senator Hooper and Representative Albert were the primary sponsors of the funding proposal in the Senate and House.

Bigs in Blue Program

Funded by the Office of the Florida Attorney General, Bigs in Blue connects youth with first responders such as police officers, firefighters, and veterans to strengthen community trust and youth engagement. This program builds positive perceptions of law enforcement, improves conflict resolution skills, and encourages civic participation. Senator Massullo and Representative Redondo were the primary sponsors of the funding proposal in the Senate and House.

Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents (M.C.I.P.) Program

Funded by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, the MCIP program prevents juvenile justice involvement by providing mentoring relationships for youth with incarcerated parents or family members. This program promotes positive behavioral outcomes, increases resilience, and breaks cycles of incarceration through consistent mentoring and support. We are pleased to enter the third year of our three year contract with FDJJ.

Acknowledging the Champions Behind This Investment

Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida sincerely thanks The Mayernick Group for the entire team's advocacy throughout Florida's legislative session. Their expertise and commitment have played an instrumental role in securing resources that expand mentoring opportunities for children and families statewide.

BBBSAF also gratefully recognizes the legislative leaders and advocates whose commitment helped secure this transformational investment in mentoring, including House Speaker Daniel Perez, Representative Lawrence McClure, State Representative Berny Jacques, Representative Alex Andrade, Senate President Ben Albritton, Miami-Dade County Chairman and Commissioner Anthony Rodriguez, Chief of Staff Andrew Mackintosh & Matt Bahl, Budget Staff Directors Tim Sadberry & Eric Pridgeon.

We also extend our appreciation to our 11 member agencies for their dedication to collaborating as a collective team to secure funding for the entire BBBS Association of Florida.

We proudly recognize and thank Governor Ron DeSantis, an alumni Big Brother, for his continued commitment to the power of mentoring and investing in Florida's youth.

Supporting the Next Generation of Florida Leaders

By investing $8.9 million in evidence-based mentoring, Florida continues to demonstrate its commitment to helping young people realize their full potential. Through collaboration with state partners and its network of 11 local agencies, BBBSAF will continue expanding opportunities that empower youth, strengthen families, and build more resilient communities throughout the state.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida

Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida is dedicated to igniting the power of mentoring across the state by increasing resources and expanding opportunities for our 11 local nonprofit affiliates. We support the growth and sustainability of evidence-based youth mentoring programs that change lives and communities. From Pensacola to Key West, each affiliate delivers life-changing, one-to-one mentoring relationships for youth facing adversity, supported by trained adult volunteers and professional staff. Together, we ignite the potential of young people through safe, impactful connections, changing perspectives and changing lives through the power of mentorship and community volunteering.