Whitman Friends Program

Walla Walla Public Schools elementary students who would benefit from having a college student mentor consistently come to their schools to have lunch and play during recess will have greater access to this opportunity thanks to a newly signed mutual agreement between Whitman College, Friends of Children of Walla Walla and the school district.

Beginning next fall, 20 to 25 elementary students will be identified from all five schools to be part of the new Whitman Friends Program. The Whitman College Student Engagement Center will streamline recruitment, training, background screening and nomination processes to ensure a safe and efficient system. This program pairs student volunteers who serve as positive role models with local elementary students who need additional social and emotional support. All of the engagements occur at school during regular school hours.

“This agreement aims to ensure program sustainability for this critical outreach program,” said Susan Prudente, Assistant Director of Community Engagement. “Children participating in this program are more likely to develop greater resilience and experience more academic and social progress.”