$3 Million-Plus Investment to Expand Big Brothers Big Sisters’ GameChangers Program
CINCINNATI, OH – Oct. 26, 2026 – More than $3 million has been invested in GameChangers, an innovative Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati (BBBSGC) mentoring program that embeds full-time professional mentors in local schools. GameChangers will reach 350 additional youth this fall, with more schools planned for fall 2027.
The expansion is part of BBBSGC’s five-year plan to double the number of young people it serves locally.
GameChangers was developed to solve a fundamental challenge in youth mentoring: there are more young people who need mentors than adults volunteering to become traditional Bigs.
The model allows BBBSGC to expand access without losing what makes mentoring effective: consistency. GameChangers coaches are embedded in schools all day, every day and work with the same students over multiple years. The relationships provide a foundation for social-emotional development, including emotional regulation, confidence and decision-making, which can help drive better outcomes in attendance, behavior and academics.
“This investment lets us make an immediate impact,” said Jessica Esterkamp, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati. “This fall, 350 more young people will have a consistent, caring adult in their corner. By hiring coaches and embedding them in schools, we can reach significantly more kids while giving those relationships the time and consistency they need to make a difference.”
Significant multi-year commitments from TQL Foundation, Inc. and the Farmer Family Foundation are fueling the expansion. The expansion follows promising first-year results from a GameChangers pilot at Newport Intermediate School. Participating students showed improvement in social-emotional measures and positive outcomes in attendance, behavior and reading growth.
TQLs support builds on a relationship with BBBSGC that spans more than 20 years. TQL and its employees have supported the organization through philanthropy, volunteerism and direct engagement with Bigs and Littles. Its latest commitment significantly expands that partnership.
"Our long-standing partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters is based in our shared belief in the power of mentorship," said Kerry Byrne, Co-CEO of TQL. "GameChangers addresses a critical need by ensuring more young people have access to a consistent, caring adult who can help them build confidence, navigate challenges and reach their potential. We're proud to support a program that will make a lasting difference for hundreds of local students."
The Farmer Family Foundation is directing its GameChangers investment to Cincinnati’s Price Hill community, supporting the program at IDEA Price Hill Elementary School, IDEA Price Hill College Prep, Romero Academy at Resurrection, Romero Academy at Annunciation and Oyler School.
“The Farmer Family Foundation believes in the power of mentorship and in investing in Price Hill’s young people,” said Joel Stone of the Farmer Family Foundation. “Big Brothers Big Sisters has been a leader in mentoring for more than a century, with roots here in Cincinnati. GameChangers builds on that history with a model that can reach more young people, and we’re proud to help bring it to Price Hill.”
For GameChangers Coach Terrell Blue, the investment in mentorship is personal.
Blue grew up as a Little Brother in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program during a childhood marked by significant challenges and loss. Both of his parents were incarcerated, and he lost siblings to violence. Through those years, his Big Brother remained a consistent presence in his life. The two are still close today.
Blue later served in the military. Now he has come full circle as a GameChangers coach at IDEA Price Hill, building lasting relationships with young people in the community.
“My Big Brother came into my life when I really needed someone, and he stayed,” Blue said. “We’re still close today. I know what it means to have someone believe in you and keep showing up. Now I get to be that person for kids in Price Hill.”
Media Contact:
Deb Haas
513-205-4675
Haas@bigsforkids.org
