As a program of the Salt Lake Chamber Foundation, Utah Community Builders spotlights one organization each month that’s making a meaningful difference in the community. The initiative supports the Foundation’s mission to engage Utah’s business community in addressing key issues that strengthen the state’s workforce.
There are many factors that shape a child’s future, but one of the most powerful is having a mentor. Research shows that young people with mentors are 20% more likely to enroll in college and can earn up to 15% more over their lifetime. Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah are helping make that impact a reality by connecting kids across the state with caring, consistent role models.
The organization’s roots go back to 1904 in New York, when a court clerk noticed boys appearing in his courtroom who didn’t need punishment — they needed guidance. He recruited members of his fraternity to spend time with these youth, offering support and positive influence. That simple idea grew into a nationwide movement and eventually made its way to Utah nearly 50 years ago, where it continues to create meaningful change in young lives.
Today, the impact is clear. In 2025 alone, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah served a total of 1,000 youth. Through programs such as community-based and site-based mentoring and Mentor2.0, they match youth with mentors who help build confidence, encourage positive behavior and support academic and personal success. With flexible program options, both mentors and mentees can find a structure that fits their schedules and needs.
President and CEO Jill Sundstrom emphasizes the proven impact of mentoring: “We know mentoring works. We’re a research-based program that uses evidence-based practices to help kids build soft skills, resilience and grit — skills that matter now and later in life. We see strong outcomes for the youth in our program. Even those who aren’t matched for the full three years show improvement.”
Local businesses also play a key role, especially through the organization’s workplace-based, site mentoring program. In this model, students visit a company to meet with their mentors, giving them exposure to professional environments. Sundstrom explains, “In our workplace program, students come to the office to spend time with their mentors. They might share a meal or participate in a structured activity, but they’re also getting a firsthand look at what a workplace is like, sometimes one they would never otherwise have access to. It opens their eyes to new possibilities.”
At its core, the program is about showing up. And that’s exactly what mentors are encouraged to do. As Sundstrom puts it, “One thing I always tell our mentors is that it’s not nearly as hard as you think. You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to show up.”
Learn more and get involved by visiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah’s website at bbbsu.org.
