• BLOG
  • NEWSLETTER
  • CONTACT
  • Get Involved
  • Be A Big: Volunteer
    • Welcome
    • Application
    • Programs
      • Scholarship Program
      • Big Futures Program
    • Enrichment Services
    • Meet Our Matches
    • Requirements
    • FAQs
    • Resources
      • Match Discount Partners
  • Get A Big: Enroll
    • Welcome
    • Application
    • Programs
      • Scholarship Program
      • Big Futures Program
    • Enrichment Services
    • Meet Our Matches
    • FAQs
    • Resources for Families
      • Match Discount Partners
  • About
    • Impacts
    • Leadership
      • Executive Board
      • Advisory Council
      • Big Impact Group
      • Foundation Board
    • Our Team
    • Agency History
    • Facilities
    • Careers
  • Events
    • BBBS Events
    • Bowl For Kids
    • Ice Ball
    • Scholarship Ceremony
    • Community Events For Matches
  • Donate
    • Give Now
    • Monthly Giving
    • Fund A Friendship
    • Giving Society
    • Donor Advised Funds
    • Corporate Partners
    • Employee Matching Gifts
    • Create Your Own Fundraiser
    • Ice Ball
    • Bowl for Kids
  • Shop
0

Cart

  • Get Involved
  • Be A Big: Volunteer
    • Welcome
    • Application
    • Programs
      • Scholarship Program
      • Big Futures Program
    • Enrichment Services
    • Meet Our Matches
    • Requirements
    • FAQs
    • Resources
      • Match Discount Partners
  • Get A Big: Enroll
    • Welcome
    • Application
    • Programs
      • Scholarship Program
      • Big Futures Program
    • Enrichment Services
    • Meet Our Matches
    • FAQs
    • Resources for Families
      • Match Discount Partners
  • About
    • Impacts
    • Leadership
      • Executive Board
      • Advisory Council
      • Big Impact Group
      • Foundation Board
    • Our Team
    • Agency History
    • Facilities
    • Careers
  • Events
    • BBBS Events
    • Bowl For Kids
    • Ice Ball
    • Scholarship Ceremony
    • Community Events For Matches
  • Donate
    • Give Now
    • Monthly Giving
    • Fund A Friendship
    • Giving Society
    • Donor Advised Funds
    • Corporate Partners
    • Employee Matching Gifts
    • Create Your Own Fundraiser
    • Ice Ball
    • Bowl for Kids
  • Shop

Scholarship Program

 2023 Promising Futures Scholarship Ceremony Recap

2023 Promising Futures Scholarship Ceremony Recap

June 15, 2023

It was a day of celebration as more than thirty students accepted scholarships at Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 37th Annual Promising Futures Scholarship Ceremony. Student achievement was on full [...]

Read More 0
     2022 Promising Futures Scholarship Ceremony

    2022 Promising Futures Scholarship Ceremony

    June 17, 2022

    On Saturday, June 11th, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas held its 36th annual ‘Promising Futures’ scholarship ceremony to recognize the educational achievements and aspirations of our [...]

    Read More 0
       2021 Promising Futures Scholarship Ceremony Recap

      2021 Promising Futures Scholarship Ceremony Recap

      June 16, 2021

      It was hot, masks were worn, and social distancing was observed, but everyone was all smiles as Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrated its 35th Annual Promising Futures Scholarship Ceremony on […]

      Read More 0
         Delivering Congratulations: Recognizing Our 2020 Graduates

        Delivering Congratulations: Recognizing Our 2020 Graduates

        June 19, 2020

        On Tuesday, June 16th, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas’ staff delivered donuts, cookies, and plenty of celebratory swag to 40 high school graduates who are receiving college [...]

        Read More 0
           Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas Invests Almost $1M in the Educational Futures of Area Students

          Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas Invests Almost $1M in the Educational Futures of Area Students

          June 21, 2019

          On Saturday, June 15th, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas held it’s 33rd annual ‘Promising Futures’ scholarship ceremony to recognize the educational achievements and aspirations of [...]

          Read More 0
             Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 2018 Promising Futures Scholarship Ceremony

            Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 2018 Promising Futures Scholarship Ceremony

            July 20, 2018

            The room was filled with excitement, pride and joy at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas’ 32nd annual Promising Futures Scholarship Ceremony. More than 150 family members, friends and […]

            Read More 0
               Kristie Gonzales on The Power of Mentoring

              Kristie Gonzales on The Power of Mentoring

              June 15, 2018

              There are thousands of TV stations across the country, but only 16.5% of them have female general managers, and very few of them are minorities since less than 8% of […]

              Read More 0
                 Promising Futures: New Opportunities

                Promising Futures: New Opportunities

                May 18, 2018

                As the school year comes to a close for most students, many high school seniors are making plans for the next chapter in their educational journeys.  Whether attending trade school […]

                Read More 0
                   BBBS’ 2017 Promising Futures Scholarship Ceremony

                  BBBS’ 2017 Promising Futures Scholarship Ceremony

                  June 30, 2017

                  “You can never have too much education.” That was one of the central themes at Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 2017 Promising Futures Scholarship Ceremony. Held June 17 at Austin Community […]

                  Read More 0
                     Spotlight on Candace Bunkley: BBBS’ Scholarship Program Coordinator

                    Spotlight on Candace Bunkley: BBBS’ Scholarship Program Coordinator

                    January 20, 2017

                    Big Brothers Big Sisters is mission-focused. It’s no wonder that many of the agency’s staff members are as well. Candace Bunkley, BBBS’ Scholarship Program Coordinator, wanted to work for an […]

                    Read More 0

                      SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

                      Categories

                      • Amplify Austin (5)
                      • Bennett-Rathgeber Mentoring Center (9)
                      • Big Brothers Big Sisters profiles (80)
                      • Big Couples (3)
                      • Big Futures (12)
                      • Big Impact Group (3)
                      • Big Stories (249)
                      • Bowl for Kids (21)
                      • Community partners (41)
                      • Corporate philanthropy (18)
                      • Education (26)
                      • Events (122)
                      • From our CEO (15)
                      • Fundraising (61)
                      • Game Changers (12)
                      • Holiday Party (6)
                      • Ice Ball (28)
                      • Little Stories (60)
                      • Matches of the Year (1)
                      • Mentoring matters (130)
                      • National Mentoring Month (11)
                      • News & Updates (223)
                      • Press Releases (2)
                      • Recruitment (5)
                      • SantaCon (4)
                      • Scholarship Program (10)
                      • Year End Giving (12)

                      Participants and Supporters

                      • “With my Big Sister’s help I am doing better in school.”

                        Little Sister

                      • “I love reading with my Big Sister.”

                        Little Sister

                      • “My Big Brother has taken me to visit several colleges and I’m excited to start applying.”

                        Little Brother

                      • “My Big Brother has helped me discover new things.”

                        Little Brother

                      • “My Big Brother appreciates me for who I am.”

                        Little Brother

                      • “I’m really proud of the empathetic and thriving adult my Little has become. We’re so thankful that BBBS connected and supported us throughout the years.”

                        Big Brother Tom

                      • “As a Big, I get to spend time with my Little doing things I loved doing as a kid – exploring, going out to eat, cooking, visiting book stores, and being there as another ear and voice as she tries to navigate her world.”

                        Audra, Big Sister

                      • “My Big Sister is always there for me when I need her.”

                        Little Sister

                      • “Being a Big Brother has enriched my life.”

                        Ben, Big Brother

                      • “Ben’s mentorship changed my life! As a long-time supporter of your organization, it’s always inspiring to see the amazing work you’re doing to support the youth in our community. Your commitment to empowering the next generation is truly admirable, and I am proud to be a part of this mission. Keep up the great work, and continue making a positive impact!”

                        Little Brother

                      • “Having a Big in our lives has helped my whole family.”

                        Natasha, Mom of a Little

                      • “It’s a privilege to be able to help kids recognize the potential within themselves and illuminate the opportunities they have in their lives.”

                        Jeremy, Big Brother

                      • “My son has a stronger focus on his future as a result of his match.”

                        Family

                      • Sponsors

                      • “Whenever something is bothering me, I can talk with my Big about it.”

                        Little Sister

                      • “My Big makes me feel important.”

                        Little Brother

                      • “Children are our future. I like helping them realize their potential.”

                        Donor

                      • Sponsors

                      • “Now, oh my gosh, how my daughter has changed. She just has a better outlook on life.”

                        Family

                      • Sponsors

                      • Sponsors

                      • “I can tell my Big Sister anything and she listens without judging me.”

                        Little Sister

                      • “My husband is gone a lot on military assignments, and I wanted our daughters to have another responsible adult in their lives that they could have fun with and talk to if they didn’t feel comfortable talking to me.”

                        Family

                      • “My son’s relationship with his Big Brother has had a big impact.”

                        Family

                      • Sponsors

                      • “As a Big, I can commit to a consistent volunteer opportunity where I feel like I’m giving back to my community, and I’m rewarded with a meaningful relationship with an awesome Little who has so much to offer as well.”

                        John, Big Brother

                      • “If it weren’t for her, I know that I would have ended up in an environment that I should not have been in.”

                        Little Sister

                      • “My relationship with my Big Brother is very important to me.”

                        Little Brother

                      • “As a Big, I’m able to pay it forward by providing my Little with some of the opportunities that I’ve been lucky to have in my life – companionship, encouragement, confidence and trust. “

                        Jeremy, Big Brother

                      • “Becoming a Big is by far one of the best decisions I’ve made. My Little is constantly surprising me with her eagerness to try new things. Having the opportunity to mentor and see her grow has been not only rewarding, but also lots of fun!”

                        Reyna, Big Sister

                      • “Thanks to my amazing Big Sister, I knew from early on how important my education would be.”

                        Little Sister

                      • “My son is consciously making the right choices now to set himself up for whatever he decides to do.”

                        Family

                      Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas | 4800 Manor Rd, Bldg K, Austin, TX 78723 | Mail: PO Box 4555, Austin, TX 78757 | Phone: 512-472-5437
                      © 2023 Big Brothers Big Sisters. All Rights Reserved, Big Brothers Big Sisters. | Web Design by WhiteHat
                      • Careers
                      • Non-Discrimination Policy
                      • Financial Statements
                      • Privacy Policy
                      • Store Policies & Procedures
                      Executive Board of Directors

                      The Executive Board is a group of community-focused leaders invested in improving the lives of Austin youth. Their main responsibilities involve raising funds to support our agency, reviewing and approving agency policies, and generating awareness of, and support for, BBBS.

                      Lara Burns Boyda
                      Urbanspace
                      Chief Operating Officer

                      Zachary A. Carroll, Secretary/Treasurer 
                      RSM US LLP
                      Austin Audit Leader, Partner

                      Brandon Christensen
                      SHI International Corp
                      Enterprise Sales Account Manager

                      Jayna Duke
                      O’Connell Robertson
                      Principal: Interior Design Practice Leader

                      Denver Dunlap
                      Denver Dunlap Real Estate
                      Owner/Broker

                      Art Guerra
                      Guerra Underground
                      Owner

                      Shellie Hayes-McMahon, Chair Elect
                      Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
                      Executive Director of Operations & Development

                      Pamela Hurley
                      Philanthropist

                      Nicholas Johnson, PhD
                      McKinley Technologies
                      Founder & Principal

                      Jason Jowers
                      Tokyo Electron
                      VP Support Services

                      Lonnie Limon
                      Dieste, Inc.
                      Managing Director

                      Albert Swantner, Chair
                      SaveDay
                      Chief Technology Officer

                      Karen Vilches
                      Kojo
                      Executive Assistant

                      Jason Vitanza
                      Shadow IT Services
                      Chief Technology Officer

                      Foundation Board

                      The Foundation Board’s purpose is to oversee all aspects of BBBS’s Scholarship Program, including managing the endowment and distributing scholarship funds to institutions.

                      Carlos Barbosa
                      Wells Fargo
                      SVP/Loan Supervisor-Middle Market Commercial Banking

                      Loraine Brown, Foundation Board Chair
                      Vino Veritas Ventures
                      Founder & Owner

                      Kori Hattemer
                      Foundation Communities
                      Director of Prosper Programs

                      J.R. Martin
                      PNC Bank
                      Investment Advisor

                      Shellie Hayes-McMahon
                      Planned Parenthood Texas Votes
                      Deputy Exec. Director of Operations & Development

                      Brandon Jones, PhD
                      The University of Texas at Austin
                      Director for Student Learning & Development

                      Pamela Hurley
                      Philanthropist

                      Guillermo Martinez III, PhD
                      Austin Community College
                      Interim Vice President, Student Affairs

                      Advisory Council

                      Composed of high-visibility individuals and organizations, the Advisory Council provides BBBS with a lasting influence and cross-community reach. Convening at least twice per year, the group provides input on strategic issues as needed, influences others to support our mission and contribute resources, and recruits new members for our Executive Board.

                      Blake Absher
                      Broadway Bank
                      Executive Vice President – Austin Market President

                      Darrell Bazzell
                      The University of Texas at Austin
                      Senior Vice President and CFO

                      Kyndel Bennett
                      Cayetano Development, LLC
                      Chief Executive Officer

                      Ben Bufkin
                      Endeavor Real Estate Group
                      Principal

                      Clayton Christopher
                      Entrepreneur

                      Hector De Leon
                      De Leon Washburn & Ward, P.C.
                      Founder

                      Rachel Deaton
                      Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
                      Financial Advisor

                      Greg Dettman
                      Southwest Courts & Floors Inc. – Sport Court Southwest
                      Owner

                      Chris Ellis
                      Endeavor Real Estate Group, Ltd.
                      Managing Principal

                      Gary Farmer
                      Heritage Title Company of Austin, Inc.
                      President

                      Elizabeth T. Gershoff, PhD
                      The University of Texas at Austin
                      Amy Johnson McLaughlin Centennial Professor

                      Kristie Gonzales
                      KVUE
                      President & General Manager

                      Kerry Hall
                      Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
                      Advisory Board Member

                      Amy Jones
                      O’Connell Robertson
                      President

                      Nyle Maxwell
                      The Nyle Maxwell Family of Dealerships
                      Dealer Principal

                      Dick Rathgeber
                      Rathgeber Investments
                      President

                      Dr. Richard Rhodes
                      Austin Community College District
                      Chancellor

                      Lawrence Speck
                      Page Southerland Page, Inc.
                      Senior Principal

                      Carl Stuart
                      Registered Investment Advisor

                      Tom Taylor
                      Taylor Investments
                      Principal

                      Meet Your Little

                      We’ll set up a Match Introduction meeting to get your match started!

                      Training

                      Join other prospective mentors to learn the essentials for being a great volunteer Big!

                      Apply

                      Complete our Volunteer Application, which includes references and a thorough background check.

                      Talk With Us

                      Learn more about the commitment and if it’s right for you. Call us at 512-442-4646 or email volunteer@bigmentoring.org.

                      Talk With Us

                      Learn more about the commitment and if it’s right for you and your child. Call us at 512-442-4646 or email info@bigmentoring.org.

                      Big Impact Group

                      The Big Impact Group (B.I.G.) is a diverse collective of dedicated Bigs and community members who volunteer their time, talents, and energy to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas’ mission, further its programs, and establish themselves as future leaders for BBBS CTX and in our community. Together, members volunteer, fundraise, and participate in events that support BBBS CTX’s 700+ matches.

                      B.I.G. members enjoy many activities and benefits including:

                      • Networking at quarterly happy hours and events with Big Impact Group members
                      • Joining volunteer opportunities like the Ice Ball, Bowl for Kids, and Amplify Austin
                      • Serving on the Big Impact Group Leadership Team to help direct the BIG strategy
                      • Supporting efforts that raise awareness and recruit new Bigs, including volunteer info sessions
                      • Providing opportunities for Bigs to engage with each other and the agency to strengthen matches and build community among our network of volunteers
                      • Receiving exclusively priced tickets to BBBS CTX signature events

                      Learn more about the Big Impact Group here.

                      Match Development & Support

                      We will be there to provide ongoing support for your match!

                      Interview

                      We’ll set up a time to get to know you so we can find the best match for you!

                      Wait/Get Ready for a Match

                      We’ll search carefully for a Big for your child. Try to be patient. It takes time to find a great match. Once a potential Big is found, you’ll learn about them and move forward if you approve the match.

                      Apply

                      Complete the online enrollment application.

                      Preparing Parents

                      Our top priority is the safety and well-being of your child. During our parent training, we will teach you how to keep your child safe within or outside of our program.

                      Meet With Us

                      We will visit with you in your home or in our office. Help us get to know your child so we can find the best match for him or her.

                      Meet Your Child's Big

                      We will introduce you and your child to your new Big. They will start spending time together and getting to know each other.