The Bigs in Tech at Amazon program, a partnership between Amazon and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, aims to ignite the potential of middle school students through one-on-one mentorship with Amazon employees. The program is one way Amazon is working to reach its goal of having 75,000 staff members volunteering. Through the partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, Amazon staff have an opportunity to step up, mentor young people, and make a lasting impact. It is not about numbers, it is about the belief in helping youth unlock their potential and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Amazon Volunteers’ Commitment Makes a Significant Impact
Bigs in Tech at Amazon connects employees who volunteer as mentors with middle school students (known as Littles) through in-person meetups. Launched during the 2022-2023 school year, this program emphasizes the importance of STEM/STEAM activities and social-emotional learning (SEL). The goal is to help youth from historically underserved communities develop 21st-century skills and build meaningful relationships with adults outside the family unit. Each mentor commits to approximately 24-26 hours annually, engaging in structured activities to foster educational growth and personal development.
The growth of Bigs in Tech at Amazon over the years highlights how Amazon has built a strong culture of giving back to the communities where its employees live and work. In the first year, 52 students from our middle school partners were individually matched with Amazonian mentors. By the following year, the program had grown more than doubled to include 126 matched mentors. Now, as the program enters its third year, the focus is on scaling up to serve more students and continually refining the curriculum to better meet the needs of both Bigs and Littles.
The strong collaboration with McClure Middle School, Broadview K-8, and Orca K-8 School provides BBBSPS with an opportunity to connect students and Amazon staff. We schedule meetings with school representatives, teachers, and counselors at the beginning of the school year to map out activities, arrange connection spaces, and establish a timeline. The end-of-year meeting recap allows us to review achievements and maintain continuous support. Most of the match activities have taken place within the school, and we greatly appreciate their strong commitment. Together, we work hard to create a positive impact on the students and the community.
Good Mentorship Is A Pathway To Empowerment
“Abby, you were a great mentor this year and I had lots of fun with you! Hope to see you next year! Pet Louie for me!” – Pearl, Little Sister in Bigs in Tech
More than 150 youth have received mentoring. Two years after launching, feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. Students expressed excitement about participating in STEM activities and appreciated the opportunity to connect with mentors. This program also has a positive impact on academic outcomes, with 95% of students maintaining school attendance rates of 90% or higher.
“This feels like the most important work I have done all year.” - A Bigs in Tech Mentor.
Making a positive impact on the community can be one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences in life. This initiative not only benefits the youth and communities but also provides Amazon staff with an enriching, purpose-driven involvement, as 95% of mentors state that being a Big enriched their workplace experience. The bonding activities also make them feel more connected to the community. Hence, the enthusiasm from both mentors and students emphasizes how Bigs in Tech helps Amazon staff achieve personal fulfillment while also achieving the company’s broader business goals.
A Continuous Partnership
“Dear Kyle, When we did The pasta tower it was soo fun and we both like snow boarding. I will see you next year” - Abdi, Little Brother in Bigs in Tech.
The contributions and ongoing support of Amazon staff and mentors, along with the collaborative efforts of participating schools, have been instrumental in advancing the Bigs in Tech at Amazon program. As the program expands, it continues to create lasting impacts that reflect Amazon’s dedication to social responsibility. More young people and community members will share in the mentoring experience, making a meaningful difference in their lives. The program’s proven success exemplifies the power of corporate-community partnerships in fostering youth development and community engagement.
We are grateful for Amazon’s continued commitment to this program and look forward to expanding its reach and impact in the years to come.
Register to become a Big in Tech mentor today!
