BEAR Buddies

Program Overview

The B.E.A.R. Buddies (Being Engaged to Achieve Reading) program pairs a mentor with an elementary-school-aged child in grades 1 through 3 who needs a boost in reading skills.

The mentor meets weekly with the child for one hour, usually after school, in a supervised environment at their elementary school or local Boys and Girls Club. Mentors and mentees are paired one-on-one for the school year, in some cases into the summer program.

Resources available:
School assignments
Fun reading
Materials developed by Scholastic, Inc. (a trusted resource for literary educational materials for kids)

B.E.A.R. Buddies also extends to the families of the elementary students. Since family literacy affects health and well-being for both kids and adults, parents are encouraged to get involved with their children's education.