• Sharing common interests
• Someone to talk to
• Doing things together or just hanging out

Through YouthFriends, volunteers are linked with students, ages 5-18, with shared interests like a special hobby, music, sports, reading or computers. Or sometimes a volunteer works with a student who needs some extra attention.

It's Fun
As a YouthFriends volunteer you might read with a first grader, share lunch with a new friend, help seventh graders with a special project or offer career guidance to a high school senior. YouthFriends are good role models, they enjoy young people, they're good listeners, but most of all they know how to be a friend.

It's Flexible
YouthFriends accommodates the busy schedules of today's volunteers.

• Volunteer with a group of students or one-to-one
• Choose the age groups you enjoy
• Select a school location close to home or work
• Commit to as little as one hour a week for a semester, a school year or more

It Makes a Difference
Studies show the presence of a positive adult role model in a young person's life:

• Builds confidence
• Encourages students to set and achieve goals
• Helps young people succeed

Click here to go to YouthFriends evaluation results.

Select What Works for You
If you would like to help students with specific areas of education, such as reading or learning English, YouthFriends can accommodate that desire. Some opportunities include:

• Reading Pals – help a student gain "reading mileage"
• English as a Second Language Mentors – work with ELL students to improve their English skills
• YouthFriends e-Mentoring™ – mentor students online
• YouthFriends Corps – be a positive role model to elementary students in your school district (available only to qualifying high school students)

To view the menu of opportunities available in a specific school district, please visit the menu of school districts you are interested in.

So How Do You Sign Up?
If you’ve decided that being a YouthFriends volunteer is for you, all you have to do is fill out an application, consent to a background screening, attend a personal interview and participate in a free training session.

Click here for details on how to get started today.