OKEECHOBEE- The Okeechobee County School District is actively recruiting community members for their mentoring program, BUDDY.

Volunteers of the Buddy program were recognized by the Okeechobee County School Board in 2022. [Photo by Richard Marion]

BUDDY stands for Building Uniquely Diverse and Dynamic Youth. The program was created as part of the district’s strategic plan with the goal of providing students with a mentor to help them succeed. The district first piloted the program at Central Elementary in 2021, and saw good results.

In the program a community volunteer mentor would be assigned to their mentee by their school, meeting with them every week at the school site for a minimum of 30 minutes.  Katharine Williams, Director of Mental Health and Behavioral Supports for the Okeechobee school district, explained that studies show that students that meet regularly with mentors are less likely to start drinking, use drugs, skip school or have declining mental health. They are also more likely to participate in extracurricular activities and attend college.

The results from the pilot program at Central in 2021 showed that students who had a mentor saw increases ranging from 7% to over 45% in their reading and math grades.

Williams says the percentage of students from low income families in Okeechobee ranges from 54% to 77%.

“Quality mentors are needed and would have a great impact on our students and our community,” Williams said.

Each prospective mentor would be asked to agree to a one-year commitment to weekly visits with the mentee during a school day. Parents are encouraged to meet with mentors prior to the first mentor/mentee visit and parental contact is encouraged throughout the relationship.

After completing an application through the BUDDY program, mentors submit a volunteer application through the school district which includes a reference check, fingerprinting, criminal background check, and a face-to-face interview. Mentors also completed a questionnaire designed to find points of compatibility with mentees.

Williams says the BUDDY program is looking to recruit about 25 for mentors for students. Those interested in learning more can reach out to Williams by email at williamsk@okee.k1