Study Buddy Tutoring/Mentoring Program

Fax completed application to 601.482.8784 or mail to:

Study-Buddy
4916 15th Pl. 

Meridian, MS 39305

Mission

To provide struggling students with a healthy start and a healthy future through sharing the joy and love of learning, through the demonstration and compassion of caring volunteers and through the support of the community.

Study Buddy volunteers meet a minimum of once per week one-on-one with a student in need to help with literacy, study skills, citizenship and exposure.  Study Buddies are non-judgmental and generate enthusiasm for learning through consistency, nurturing, time investment and compassion.  Study Buddies also provide educational support and academic leadership from grades K-12.

Study Buddies strive to:

Encourage attendance

Promote literacy

Build character

Strengthen confidence

Enhance study skills

Provide mentoring and support

The Study Buddy program is an in-school one-on-one one hour per week volunteer program providing tutoring, leadership skills and mentorship.  Study Buddies work with students on reading, writing, math and basic study skills.  Each Study Buddy is paired with a struggling student and can stay with that student until he/she graduates.  This is an in-school program based on the best time of the student.   Each volunteer is asked to give a minimum of one hour per week, however, if more time is needed, arrangements can be made with the school. 

Schools are facing many challenges including:

High teen pregnancy rate

Drug use

Delinquency

School suspensions and academic problems

High school dropout rates

Through the Study Buddy tutoring and mentorship program, we hope to provide students with the attention, expectations and skills needed to become productive, contributing members of society.  We know the many challenges facing schools cannot be solved by educators alone.  Family influence has a major impact on learning and the community is willing to help find a solution.

Study Buddy Qualifications

19 years of age or older

High School Diploma

Minimum one hour per week commitment

Mature, reliable, stable and respectful

Committed to helping a struggling youth

A Study Buddy Can:

Spend one hour per week or more with a student on school grounds.

Eat lunch with the student in the school cafeteria.

Attend school functions involving the student.

Award the student for good behavior and or grades.  (limitations apply*)

A Study Buddy Cannot:

Have any physical contact with a student.

Contact a student after school hours unless attending a school function.

Remove the student from the school grounds.

Visit the student at home or on the weekends.

Make arrangements to meet the student after school hours.

*No reward should be worth more than $20.

Questions or Comments? Email Michael VanVeckhoven:  studybuddy@mpsd.k12.ms.us