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 Belton District schools that participate in YouthFriends.
Mentor
Have fun playing a game, sharing a hobby, skill or sport, or just chat.
Breakfast or Lunch Buddy
Meet an elementary or secondary student or group of students for breakfast or lunch. Enjoy eating and fun conversation.
YouthFriends English as a Second Language (ESL) Mentors
YouthFriends ESL Mentors is a special opportunity for volunteers to work one-to-one or with small groups of students in grades K-12 whose native language is one other than English. The goal is to enhance understanding, speaking, reading and writing the new language. Volunteers are not required to speak additional languages to qualify. Specialized one-hour mandatory supplemental training provided free-of-charge.
YouthFriends e-Mentoring™
Busy professionals from YouthFriends Employer Partners help connect schoolwork to the "real world" for middle and high school students by exchanging weekly e-mails via the Internet. Students e-mail from school and adult e-Mentors e-mail from their places of work. At least one face-to-face meeting required. Specialized training provided free-of-charge.
YouthFriends Corps
YouthFriends Corps provides an opportunity for high school students to volunteer with elementary school students in their own school districts. YouthFriends Corps promotes community service among youth in the hope of making volunteerism a lifelong commitment. Note: Many high school students use YouthFriends Corps hours for service hours.
Reading Pal
Help students in grades K-7 practice and improve reading skills so they can gain the confidence necessary to be successful readers. Work with students one-to-one or in small group relationships for a minimum of one semester. Classroom teachers or reading specialists usually monitor student progress. Specialized one-hour mandatory supplemental training provided free-of-charge.
Chat & Chew
Come during lunch and read with a small group of students. Books are selected from the classroom. Facilitating questions are given to you by the teacher. This is only available at Scott Elementary currently.
Guest Reader
Come to a classroom and read to the students. Book selections must be approved by the teacher.
Reading Buddy
Read to or listen to a student read.
Careers R Us
Share your career experiences with students over lunch or anytime.
Academic Coach
Assist students in schoolwork by serving as a tutor. Teacher will provide materials. Special Projects
YouthFriends actively encourages the development of any new program that link positive adult role models from the community to students in our schools. |
