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.

View the Independence District schools that participate in YouthFriends.

Lunch Buddy Mentor
Lunch Buddy Mentors are special friends and good listeners for individual students who need extra encouragement and support. Lunchtime is the best time to meet, but other times are available.
Time commitment: One hour, once a week usually during lunchtime.

Reading Pal
Help small groups of kindergarten to 3rd grade students with reading.
Time commitment: One hour, once a week, or less often, as arranged.

Guest Story Reader
Read stories to elementary classes to share a love of reading.
Time commitment: One hour, once a week, or less often, as arranged.

After School Homework Helpers and After School Group Leaders
Help students with school work or share hobbies, crafts and talents with small groups of students.
Time commitment: One hour a week from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. or as arranged.

Classroom Friends
Help teachers with classroom tasks. Time Commitment: One hour, once a week, or less often, as arranged.

Special Projects
YouthFriends actively encourages the development of any new programs that link positive adult role models from the community to students in our schools.

Playground | Cafeteria | Recess Friend