The Best Buddies Friendship program facilitates one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), offering social interactions while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion for a population that is often isolated and excluded. Through their participation, people with IDD form meaningful connections with their peers, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, and share interests, experiences and activities that many other individuals enjoy.
Best Buddies Friendship programs are available at middle schools, high schools, colleges virtually, and beyond. Volunteers are matched with a participant with IDD based on location and shared interest for at least one year of friendship. For school programs, matches typically start at the beginning of the school year. Participating in activities and spending quality in-person time together at least twice a month is suggested for buddy pairs of all ages. Buddy pairs also connect at least once a week by email, phone call, texting, social media or written correspondence. Best Buddies staff members maintain regular contact with Friendship program participants to ensure the quality of matched pairs.
Find a U.S. Best Buddies Friendship program here, or an International Best Buddies Friendship program here.
Location(s)
- USA
- Africa
- Asia
- Canada
- Europe
- South America
- Middle East
- Remote
Schedule
- Volunteers must commit to at least one year of the program, which generally begins at the start of the academic year
Cost/Compensation
Eligibility Requirements
- Volunteers must meet the eligibility requirements of individual chapter locations, but in general should be students in middle school, high school, or college.
Deadline
- Rolling
Application or Entry Requirements
- Locate a Best Buddies chapter near you (find a U.S. Best Buddies Friendship program here, or an International Best Buddies Friendship program here).
- Complete the online application form
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering friendships, inclusion, and leadership opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, the organization operates globally, with chapters in over 50 countries. Through its various programs, including one-to-one friendships, employment opportunities, and leadership development, Best Buddies aims to break down barriers and promote social integration for people with IDD.
