Best Buddies International Inc

The Best Buddies International Friendship Programs build one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through six unique programs: Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, and e-Buddies. Best Buddies has grown from a single college program, started at Georgetown University in 1989, and has grown to 3,738 global chapters and is active in 46 countries.Best Buddies School Programs: Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, and Colleges Through our school-based programs, Best Buddies creates an inclusive community for students with IDD, helping them become socially integrated with their peers at every age. 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 enhance their educational experience. Elementary Schools: Launched in 2022, Best Buddies Elementary Schools builds connections and community between young students with and without IDD through inclusive activities and social-emotional learning tolls that promote one-to-one friendship, acceptance, and interaction at an early age. Students participate in both one-on-one activities in their buddy pairs and in group events to allow for optimal engagement and interaction for all members. Elementary school program growth has accelerated throughout 2024, with 585 chapters worldwide with 16,129 members. This is the fastest growing friendship program in the history of Best Buddies!Middle Schools: The Middle School program continues to thrive with 685 schools participating in Best Buddies with 13,619 members engaged worldwide. The Best Buddies Middle School program has maintained growth throughout the year and has positively benefitted from expansion efforts at the elementary school level which increase the pipeline of volunteers moving into middle school. Supported by chapter advisors, every school club is led by two students one with a disability and one without a disability and all members participate in events and group activities throughout the year, offering friendship pairs onsite support and the opportunity to socialize with other program participants. High Schools: Fostering one-to-one friendships between students with and without IDD during a critical period of social and emotional development, the High School program helps break down social barriers at a pivotal stage in a young person's life. As the largest school-based initiative, Best Buddies High Schools currently includes 1,946 chapters and 72,684 members worldwide. In this program, student officers take on a greater leadership role, actively planning events, managing members, and promoting inclusion with guidance from faculty advisors. Through this experience, student leaders build essential collaboration and leadership skills while encouraging school-wide involvement in mission-driven activities.Colleges: In 2024, the Best Buddies College program connected 522 colleges and universities across the globe, engaging 21,755 active members. The program is built on strong partnerships with campus and community organizations that serve individuals with IDD, offering valuable support and expertise to help chapters include members with IDD in all aspects of their operations and activities. As more higher education institutions expand inclusive programs and continuing education opportunities for individuals with disabilities, collaboration with Best Buddies chapters becomes a natural and meaningful way to foster campus connections and enhance the college experience for all students.Best Buddies Citizens:The Citizens program fosters one-to-one friendships between adults with and without IDD within corporate and civic communities, promoting inclusion and helping individuals with IDD become active participants in society. In 2024, the program supported 12,081 members globally and hosted 336 community events throughout the year. Virtual events also provided an accessible option for members with limited transportation, expanding opportunities for connection and engagement. By partnering with businesses and organizations, Citizens strengthens community bonds and offers employees meaningful opportunities to build friendships with peers with IDD.e-Buddies:The e-Buddies program offers a space for individuals with and without IDD to build meaningful one-to-one friendships virtually, connect through the e-Buddies social platform, and participate in online events. Members play a key role in shaping the community by leading virtual activities, creating engaging discussion posts, and facilitating peer groups. Their leadership and involvement help foster a dynamic, inclusive environment where participants feel connected, empowered, and excited about the opportunities e-Buddies provides.e-Buddies by the numbers: Over 2,250 members involved on our community platform Nearly 1,959 e-Buddies matches Over 6,444 members involved in e-Buddies worldwideThrough their involvement in e-Buddies, members build digital literacy and gain confidence in online communication. These skills help participants navigate an increasingly digital world, preparing them for future opportunities in both social and professional settings.

Best Buddies LivingThe Best Buddies Living program fosters an integrated experience for people with and without IDD to become active, contributing citizens who live independently in a dynamic environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Best Buddies is currently operating Living residences in the following markets: Washington, D.C. (2); Miami, Florida; Los Angeles, California; and Atlanta, Georgia; Gainesville, Florida; State College, Pennsylvania; and New Brunswick, New Jersey; Nasheville, Tennessee; Boca Raton, Florida; and Clemson, South Carolina.Residents grow and change immensely as part of their connection to the mission of Best Buddies. Living and learning with their peers is a major component of this growth. By creating a mutually enriching housing model, we have made this journey even more meaningful by creating a truly one-of-a-kind inclusive residential experience for our Best Buddies participants.