Rooted in 30 years of data, new study provides evidence of greater enrollment in higher education, increased salaries, reduced dependency on social services, and improved behavioral outcomes for mentored youth

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey (BBBSCNNJ) is not only transforming lives through mentorship, it’s preparing local youth for brighter futures with the help of community partners like New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG).

A new national study, conducted by leading researchers at Harvard University and the U.S. Department of Treasury, provides powerful evidence of what the agency has long known: mentorship works. Released by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the study reveals how mentoring relationships can significantly improve educational achievement, career readiness, and long-term economic outcomes for young people, findings that mirror the impact seen here in New Jersey.

The research, built on over 30 years of data, underscores the long-lasting impact mentorship programs like those offered by the BBBSCNNJ can have in reducing socioeconomic disparities. The study shows that mentorship can serve as an effective, scalable solution to help bridge gaps in opportunity and improve the lives of young people.

Key findings from the study include:

• Increased Earnings: Young people who were mentored saw a 20% increase in earnings between ages 20 and 25, helping to boost their economic mobility.
• Higher College Attendance: Mentored youth are 10% more likely to attend college than those who were not mentored, giving them a greater chance at achieving their higher education goals.
• Improved Behavior: Within just 18 months, mentored youth showed significant improvements in behavior, including lower absenteeism and fewer school suspensions.
• Stronger Social Outcomes: Mentorship also helps youth build stronger social connections and reduces dependency on social services, contributing to long-term societal benefits.

While past studies have suggested that youth need to completely change their environment to improve their economic outlook, this research proves that community-based mentorship is a low-cost solution that can yield similar, if not greater, results. With BBBSCNNJ’s program costs averaging $2,000 per year per youth, the increased lifetime earnings of mentored youth would not only benefit them but also generate enough tax revenue to recoup these costs within just seven years—making mentorship one of the most cost-effective youth interventions available.

This study builds on a groundbreaking 1991 randomized control trial conducted by Public/Private Ventures and Mathematica Policy Research. By linking BBBS data to U.S. tax records, the new research offers a powerful look into the lasting impact of mentorship on education, employment, and social identity, providing us with invaluable insight into how we can continue to improve the lives of our young people.

The NJNG sessions included a panel discussion with professionals from Regulatory Affairs, Construction and Renewable Energy, all of whom have also served as mentors. Each session concluded with hands-on breakout conversations focused on topics like communication skills and future planning.

“New Jersey Natural Gas believes the power of mentorship helps prepare the next generation of leaders,” said Carolyn Cannon, director of Community Relations at New Jersey Natural Gas. “By providing young people with workplace skills, experiences and opportunities, we’re investing in their success—and our shared future.”

The impact of this collaboration is deeply felt by the BBBSCNNJ team, who see firsthand how these partnerships strengthen their ability to support youth.

“Mentorship doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it thrives through the dedication of community partners like New Jersey Natural Gas. Their time, commitment, and expertise not only deepen the experience we can offer our youth but also help us grow as an organization. Partnerships like these amplify our ability to equip young people with the tools and confidence to build successful, meaningful futures,” added William Salcedo, Executive Director, BBBSCNNJ.

BBBSCNNJ remains committed to providing life-changing mentorship to all youth in the counties the agency supports, and this study affirms the critical role that programs like these – and our dedicated partners – play in shaping the future of the next generation. The full research report can be found HERE. To learn more about BBBSCNNJ and how you can get involved visit www.mentornj.org.

About BBBSCNNJ:
For nearly 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey has been positively impacting the lives of children through professionally supported, one-on-one mentoring relationships with adult volunteers. BBBSCNNJ empowers youth to reach their full potential, helping them grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals. Serving 10 counties across New Jersey—Bergen, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren—BBBSCNNJ continues to make a lasting difference in the community. To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, or to donate, visit www.mentornj.org.

About New Jersey Natural Gas:

New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) is the principal subsidiary of New Jersey Resources, a Fortune 1000 company. As a lifeline service provider, NJNG is committed to safely and reliably meeting customers’ energy needs, strengthening our communities, and supporting a cleaner energy future. It operates a high-integrity natural gas delivery system that is the most environmentally sound in the state as measured by leaks per mile and serves over 588,000 customers in New Jersey’s Monmouth, Ocean, Morris, Middlesex, Sussex and Burlington counties. Through its SAVEGREEN® programs, NJNG is also a leader in energy efficiency driving emissions reductions and energy savings for customers.