The Big Brothers Big Sister has launched "Latino Bigs" in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

According to the program's site, about 20 percent of the children they serve are Hispanic, but only 9 percent of Bigs are Latino. The 20 percent is up from 14 percent in 2008.

The organizations said Latino Bigs are important because they are familiar with the obstacles that Hispanic children face.

"Many of our Latino Littles come from immigrant families and are adjusting to the nuances of a new culture," the organization said on its website. "And, like all young people today, they face the lure of dangerous role models such as gangs and the temptation of drugs."

The National Hispanic Advisory Council advises Big Brothers Big Sisters on its policies and practices in relation to the Hispanic community, particularly in the strategic direction and development of mentoring to Latino youth. Its council includes immigration attorneys and circuit court judges.

So far, over $2 million has been donated to the Hispanic mentoring program. In September, MetLife Foundation presented Big Brothers Big Sisters with $500,000 grant to expand its work with young people among the country's growing Hispanic population.

"MetLife Foundation funding enables our local agencies to engage Hispanic mentees' families in programs that promote high-school graduation and college," Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Chief Diversity Officer Hector Cortez said. "The grants fund training sessions, communications strategies, and tools that enable our staff to overcome language and cultural barriers to provide safe, long-term outcomes-based, professionally supported mentoring services to Latino children, families and volunteers."

The organization is pleading its case for volunteers.

Growing Up in a Time of Historic Change and Challenge

The organization reports that nearly 25 percent of U.S. residents under the age of 18 are Latino and the Latino high school graduation rate is 58 percent compared to 72 percent of the national average. Only 19 percent of Latinos have earned an associate degree or higher, compared to 38 percent of all adults.

"Increased educational attainment is a cornerstone to future success," the site said. "Will the rising numbers of Latino youth be ready for the challenges ahead? Act now and be the positive change that our community needs so much."

To volunteer or donate to Latino Bigs, visit latinobigs.org.