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 Kansas City, Missouri District schools that participate in YouthFriends.

Academic Tutor
Assist students with class assignments and/or other supplied academic work to enable them to succeed on a given task or subject. This can be one-to-one or with a small group or entire class.

Mentoring
Help one child develop the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in school.

Lunch & Learn
Share your personal and professional experiences with a child over lunch.

Breakfast Buddy
Meet with students on your way to work, have breakfast, assist with homework or life skills.

Extended Day
Share a skill such as crafts, drama or athletic coaching. Meet with one student or a group of students before or after school.

Career Coaches
Meet weekly with a student to develop and advise on a school-to-career plan.

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.