Check out Big Buddy on WAFB channel 9 news. Gaylynne Mack, Executive Director of Big Buddy Program, was interviewed and showed a great way for anyone who is shopping online to help out the Big Buddy Program.

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A program for high school-aged students at Baton Rouge’s new Belfair “Free Dreams” Teen Center.  Ninth – twelfth graders come from five feeder schools to attend the program from Monday – Thursday.  Teen 360° University members can choose from over 17 youth-centered, project-based classes including such picks as Video Production, Martial Arts, Culinary Arts and Hip-Hop Dance.  Each member is required to attend one day of the “Academic Achievement College” where they receive services such as homework assistance, ACT Prep and academic skill building.  Youth development small group activities end each day and each teen is paired with a mentor to receive one-on-one counseling through the Project RISE mentoring staff.  Partnerships with BREC and City at Peace-Baton Rouge bring additional resources as opportunities to the youth served at Teen 360°.
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After completing Beginning (11 hours) and Intermediate (9 hours) level coursework and at least 400 hours of practicum experience, staff are eligible to take a certification exam and to gain certification. In June 2010, Big Buddy Program is graduating its first class of 30 certified Youth Development Professionals. In Fall 2010, we plan to offer these staff the 30-hour Advancing Youth Development training created by the National Training Institute for Community Youth Work. Read more »