Why it Matters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is doubling down on direct advocacy by adding an experienced in-house lobbyist. Elisabeth Gehl’s expertise in budget lobbying will enhance the organization’s efforts, especially as Congress shows strong bipartisan support for youth mentoring programs.

By the Numbers

The organization filed a registration amendment for 2025, naming Elisabeth Gehl as their registered lobbyist. Gehl focuses solely on Budget/Appropriations issues.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has maintained continuous lobbying activity since 2003. The organization previously worked with five external firms, including Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc. through 2025.

Broader Context

The 119th Congress has introduced multiple mentoring-related bills with bipartisan backing. Both chambers passed resolutions recognizing January 2025 as “National Mentoring Month.” Congressional hearings have highlighted the need for mentorship programs, particularly for foster youth aging out of the system.

The Agenda

Gehl will focus exclusively on Budget/Appropriations, targeting funding for youth mentoring programs. The organization seeks support through Commerce-Justice-Science and Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bills. No specific legislation is identified in their current registration.

Competitive Landscape

Other youth-focused organizations are actively lobbying Congress. MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and Youth Collaboratory all filed recent disclosure reports advocating for federal mentoring program funding.

Between The Lines

Congress has introduced several relevant bills this session. The Mentoring to Succeed Act would establish competitive grant programs for youth mentoring. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, Rep. Jesús García, and Rep. Lori Trahan joined Sen. Dick Durbin, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, and Sen. Cory Booker in reintroducing the legislation.

The Foster Youth Mentoring Act would create specialized mentoring grants for foster youth. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon introduced this bipartisan measure. The House Ways and Means Work and Welfare Subcommittee held a hearing on foster youth transitions, emphasizing mentorship needs.

Sen. Cory Booker has also introduced the Transition-to-Success Mentoring Act for at-risk middle school students.

The Bottom Line

Gehl brings decade-plus experience from Habitat for Humanity International, Inc. and Business and Professional Women’s Foundation. Her appropriations expertise positions Big Brothers Big Sisters to capitalize on congressional interest in youth mentoring funding.

All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!

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