Big Buddies

Mission Statement: To provide community children with a positive, enthusiastic student mentor who can be a consistent influence in their lives.

Big Buddies is a mentoring program that matches UVM students with underprivileged children from Burlington community schools (Barnes Elementary & H.O. Wheeler). The coordinators of Big Buddies work closely with the schools' guidance counselors to match students with children who need a mentor the most. The minimum commitment required from UVM students is a full academic year with their little buddy. Big Buddies meet with their Little Buddies once a week for at least an hour and during monthly group events sponsored by the program.