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 Raytown District schools that participate in YouthFriends.

View training opportunities.

Reading Pal
Work with two third grade students (20-30 minutes each) to help improve reading skills using phonics curriculum. (Additional training using curriculum is provided.)

Tutor
Provide one-to-one tutoring for one or more students.

Mentor
Work with a child to develop the self-esteem and confidence necessary to succeed academically and socially.

Book Buddy
Read one-to-one with a first grade student using books provided by the teacher. Training, materials and support are provided.

Storyteller
Read a book to a classroom. Volunteer and teacher coordinate schedule and select books.

Classroom Tutor
Help one or a group of students in a classroom with academics.