Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area Receives Major Grant to Expand Mentoring Programs in Maryland 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 17, 2025 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area (BBBSNCA) announced it has received a significant grant award as part of the $20 million Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs initiative announced by Governor Wes Moore and Arnold Ventures. The $5.6 million investment will dramatically expand BBBSNCA’s community-based mentoring programs to serve an additional 1,000 young people across nine Maryland counties over the next four years. 

The grant, developed in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services and the Governor’s Office for Children, directly addresses a critical need in Maryland where hundreds of youths—predominantly boys—are currently waiting to be matched with mentors. 

“This transformational investment represents more than funding—it’s a commitment to changing lives,” said Michael Sanzi, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area. “Every day, we see firsthand how mentoring relationships ignite potential in young people. This partnership with Governor Moore and Arnold Ventures will allow us to reach 1,000 more youth who are waiting for that one caring adult who believes in them and helps them see what’s possible for their future.” 

The expanded program will serve youth in Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Cecil, Frederick, Kent, Prince George’s, Somerset, Washington, and Wicomico counties. BBBSNCA’s evidence-based mentoring model has been proven to successfully address key challenges facing youth, including supporting mental health and substance use recovery, reducing exposure to violence, and strengthening pathways to careers and postsecondary education. 

“Research consistently shows that quality mentoring relationships create lasting positive outcomes,” Sanzi continued. “When we match a young person with a caring adult mentor, we’re not just creating a friendship—we’re opening doors to academic success, emotional resilience, and lifelong achievement. This grant ensures that 1,000 more Maryland youth will have access to these life-changing relationships.” 

The Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs is an evidence-based philanthropic partnership between the State of Maryland and Arnold Ventures, designed to scale and expand programs that increase economic mobility and improve cradle-to-career outcomes for Marylanders. Governor Moore announced the partnership in February 2024, and Arnold Ventures has now provided $40 million total in matching funds to support proven programs in workforce training, education, and crime prevention. 

Program implementation will begin immediately, with full expansion expected over the four-year grant period. BBBSNCA will work closely with local schools, community organizations, and juvenile justice partners to identify and serve youth who would benefit most from mentoring relationships.