YouthFriends

YouthFriends are mentors who support students academically. Applicants are trained, interviewed and complete a child abuse and neglect screening as well as a criminal background screening prior to being placed with district students.

Screening Information: All applicants will submit to a check of child abuse/neglect and a criminal background screening. There is no charge to the applicant for the background screenings unless they live in the state of Kansas. For Kansas residents, there is a $10.00 application fee for the Kansas Child Abuse & Neglect screening. Please bring a check for the Kansas fee to the training and our office will submit your payment with the paperwork. The district partners with Validity Screening Solutions for a check of criminal history. Information to complete Validity’s criminal background screening will be provided at the training. 

YouthFriend volunteers must commit to serving in one of the below capacities
for at least an hour each month.

YouthFriend Activities:
Before or After School Activities: Coach a group of students in a specific activity or share a skill with students such as acting, sewing, etc.
Breakfast or Lunch Buddy: Meet with students during breakfast or lunch and take time to have a conversation with them about what’s going on in life. Encourage students to always be and do their best in all they do.
Classroom Helper: Assist students in the classroom with various academic activities.
Library Assistant: Help students as they come to the library media center looking for books or researching information for a class assignment.
Robotics (High School Only): Support High School Robotic teams as they learn new concepts and put their skills to work at local Robotic competitions.
Tutor: Help students build self-esteem and confidence to succeed in school through supporting them with the academic studies. 

To apply to become a YouthFriends volunteer, apply online by going to: https://www.cervistech.com/acts/console.php?console_id=0142&console_type=application or for a downloadable PDF to print, fill out and send to our office please click here.

For more information about YouthFriends, call the Partners in Education office at (816) 321-5018 or email youthfriends@nkcschools.org.