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. Many busy adults select lunch time as the best time to meet, but other times are available to mentor.

Reading Pal
Help students in grades K-3 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.

Guest Story Reader
Read stories to pre-kindergarten through elementary school classes. Share the love of reading.

After School Homework Helpers and After School Group Leaders
Help students with homework or share hobbies, crafts and talents with small groups of middle school students.

Classroom Friends
Help teachers with classroom tasks.

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.