Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas Honored with 2025 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Growth Award

Fayetteville, AR (April 6, 2026) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas (BBBSNWA) has been recognized as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Growth Award Winner for program excellence in 2025. Every year, the BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local agency leaders and board members, selects agencies for excellence in the organization’s signature one-to-one youth mentoring program. Out of more than 230 agencies across the country, BBBSNWA is one of 60 organizations to receive this top honor.

The Growth Award recognizes agencies that have demonstrated strategic growth in the number of mentors (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”) matched through the program, year over year. In the past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas has served 417 youth and grown its local services by more than eight percent. 

“I am incredibly proud of our board and staff for their dedication to expanding mentorship opportunities for young people in Northwest Arkansas,” said Lance Johnson, president and CEO of BBBSNWA.  “Their commitment to growing our matches ensures that even more children have access to life-changing relationships. This achievement reflects the power of mentorship and the impact we can create together in building a brighter future for our community.”

For over 100 years, BBBSA has been dedicated to advancing equity, impact, and growth across the organization, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Today, the organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships, helping build self-confidence and emotional well-being and empowering young people on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures and a mentor whose impact can last a lifetime.

"Real growth goes beyond metrics — it's about extending the reach and transforming the lives of young people who need mentorship most," said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of BBBSA. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas has shown an extraordinary dedication to expanding access and opportunity, connecting more volunteers with more youth than ever before. Their commitment to engaging a diverse range of mentors reflects their firm conviction that every young person deserves a caring advocate in their corner. We celebrate their leadership and the meaningful, lasting change they continue to inspire." 

For more information, contact:
Caitlin Duru, Chief Operating Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas
Phone: 479-966-4366  Email: Caitlin@bbbsnwa.org