YMCA Student Programs

The Buddy Program matches Virginia Tech volunteers with special education students at Blacksburg High School and on campus in a one-on-one mentoring relationship. The high school students have varying degrees of disability, including Down’s Syndrome, autism, learning difference, physical challenges, and special social needs. Volunteers and Buddies choose their activities together, such as bowling, going to the mall, going for walks, etc. The program also has parties and dances so that all the Buddies can get together three or four times a semester.

The students greatly enjoy the peer interaction and friendship provided through this program.

Program Leader

Esther Cha (Echa04@vt.edu)

Bridget Manasco (bmanasco@vt.edu)
 

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