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.
Breakfast Buddy
Eat breakfast with a student or a small group of students at the school cafeteria (could be a great activity on your way to work). Be a mentor by assisting your student(s) with a class assignment, discussing a book, or just chatting. This is a time to enjoy eating and fun conversation! (Grades K-6)
Lunch Buddy
Eat lunch in the school cafeteria with an individual student or group of students during their lunch period. During your time together, you may also serve as a mentor by playing a board game, reading a story, playing on the playground or working on a special project. This is a time to build self-confidence and let the student know he/she is important. (Grades K-6)
Career Role Model
Share information about your occupation and discuss your career experience with upper elementary students during a special time or part of a classroom presentation. (Grades K-6)
Academic Tutor
Choose your favorite subject—math, reading, writing, science, social studies, computers, music or a foreign language—and work with a student who needs extra attention in that area.You may choose to mentor your student before or during school to help give him/her advice and direction in tasks such as completing everyday assignments or developing a challenging project. (Grades K-6)
YouthFriends e-Mentoring™
An easy way to help students substantially improve reading, writing and computer skills while showing increased interest in their schoolwork. Volunteer e-Mentors work with students by communicating through the Internet. Exchanging weekly messages gives students and adult
e-Mentor volunteers the opportunity to spend time together online while students practice new skills, experience enhanced learning and explore possible career opportunities.
Reading Pal
Help students in Grades K-6 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 groups. Classroom teachers or reading specialist usually monitor student progress. Specialized one-hour mandatory supplemental training provided free-of-charge.
Mentor
Time with a positive adult role model is something kids ask for over and again. Have fun getting to know a student through a variety of activities including sharing a hobby, working on an assignment, playing a game or sport, or just "hanging out." A mentor is a friend and a good listener and helps build the self-confidence students need to succeed in school. |
