The program began as a partnership with UF's Student Government in 1991. SG's Community Affairs Cabinet co-sponsors it on campus and helps in recruiting collegiates to participate. Over 4000 students have volunteered since the program began. These volunteers serve as positive role models for at- risk children, demonstrating values of punctuality, dependability, and reliability. The children served through this program look forward to the weekly visits from their college friends and are made to feel very special as a result.
Volunteers commit for one semester, although many continue beyond.
Formal recruitment, orientation, and placement of volunteers is held at the beginning of each semester. Consideration is given to children, who, the teachers feel, will benefit from this extra attention and special time with a college buddy. For example, they might spend the first 5 or 10 minutes talking together, then the next 15-20 minutes working on academics, and use the remainder of the time as they choose. Volunteers are provided handbooks with suggested activities.