YouthFriends is a school-based mentoring effort that links caring adult volunteers from the community with students in schools and is open to all students, grades K-12, within participating school districts. All activities take place on school grounds before, during or after school hours. YouthFriends volunteers typically visit a school for one hour each week to do things like have lunch with a student, help with reading or academic tutoring, share an interest or a hobby or simply listen.

Click here to view the Smithville District schools that participate in YouthFriends.

Lunch Buddy
Enjoy eating and fun conversation while meeting with a student or group of students for lunch in the school cafeteria. This is a time for students to build self-confidence and lets them know they are important.

Mentor
Be a friend and positive role model to a student. Get to know them through sharing a hobby, working on an assignment, playing a game or sport, or just hanging out. A mentor is a friend and a good listener and helps build the self-confidence students need to succeed in school.

Academic Tutor
Assist youth with schoolwork by acting as a tutor. Students may be having difficulty with a subject or need advice to complete challenging projects. You may choose to mentor your student before, during or after school to help give them advice and direction in tasks such as completing everyday assignments or projects.

Reading Buddy
Help students improve their reading skills by being a reading buddy. Students will read to you and you may read to them. This involves individual time with a student or possibly small group reading.

Book Club
Read aloud and discuss a book with a small group of students. Find books of interest to students in your group and experience it through the eyes of a child.

Classroom Helper
Work with a classroom teacher by helping students individually, in small groups or even as a class. You will assist students’ academics, read to the class, and provide support and encouragement. The possibilities are endless.