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It Takes a Village:
Building Community through DARTS Learning Buddies
It Takes a Village:
Building Community Through
DARTS Learning Buddies
A New Album
Picture this: It is a Wednesday morning, and you walk into a 1st grade classroom. The room fills with smiles and waves as you arrive.
You set up two chairs into the hallway. A student makes her way over with a book in hand. She begins to read, slowly at first, and then with growing confidence as her voice becomes stronger. You share a smile as she points at the funny pictures on the page.
When she pauses on a longer word, you gently encourage her to sound it out. She tries again, and you see the light bulb go off when the word finally clicks.
She walks back to class feeling celebrated, proud, and excited to be at school. It was her turn to read with the Learning Buddy today.
This simple moment is one of thousands made possible each year through the DARTS Learning Buddies program.
What is Learning Buddies?
At DARTS, our mission is to create connections that enrich aging, and Learning Buddies puts that mission into action! Each week during the school year, older adult volunteers step into elementary classrooms across Dakota and Southern Washington Counties to support students, increase teacher capacity, and build meaningful relationships.
In the 2024-2025 school year, DARTS Learning Buddy volunteers supported over 100 classrooms across 35 schools, impacting over 2,400 students. Learning Buddies volunteer once a week (or more!) during the school year, working with small groups or individual students. Some help with math or science; others listen as students read aloud, offering encouragement and conversation.
A Win-Win Connection
While volunteers strengthen academic skills and build confidence in students, they often say they’re learning, too. They learn about different cultures, the realities teachers face daily, and what students today are curious about. The program helps older adults stay engaged, active, and connected to the world around them.
“I always look for ‘win/win’ situations and my time as a Learning Buddy is exactly that. The children grew through the experience, and I did as well. My time spent with the class and students was a highlight each week.”
– DARTS Learning Buddy volunteer
One volunteer who supports English Language Learners described the impact this way:
“The DARTS Learning Buddies program has given me a rare opportunity to make a difference in the lives of immigrant students right in my community. The students inspire me every day with their courage navigating a new country. This program has been life-changing for me.”
Teachers See the Difference
The teachers we partner with see the impact of Learning Buddies every week. Many describe their volunteer as part of the classroom community. They are a consistent and caring adult who become a trusted role model and a highlight of the students’ day.
“I can say the experience with our Learning Buddy has been amazing. She has touched many students and is so kind. I cannot thank you enough for this amazing opportunity for our students.”
– 5th Grade Teacher at Cedar Park STEM Elementary
Teachers today are facing many challenges, including growing student needs in both academic and social skills. Teachers say Learning Buddies provide essential individualized support that helps students succeed.
“Having positive helpful adults in the classroom helps to meet the varying needs in my classroom. I so appreciated the one-on-one attention my students were able to receive with our Learning Buddy!”
– Kindergarten Teacher at Gideon Pond Elementary
A It Takes a Village
Many teachers have partnered with DARTS for years, and they consistently tell us the same thing: a Learning Buddy adds connection, support, and joy to their classroom.
“I am so grateful for the work that DARTS volunteers do to support our young learners. Every year I have a DARTS volunteer, I feel blessed. Thank you for supporting the work of educators and helping students succeed. It truly takes a village, and our village is stronger because of the attention and care shown by kind volunteers like our Learning Buddy.”
– 1st Grade Teacher at Kaposia Education Center
Want to Join the Village?
Join us this fall! The Learning Buddies program is now recruiting volunteers age 55+ to support local elementary students during the 2025–2026 school year. Whether you or someone you know enjoys helping kids learn, has a passion for a particular subject, or is looking for a meaningful way to stay connected, Learning Buddies could be a great fit.
DARTS provides orientation and training to equip you for your time in the classroom, and we’ll work together to find a weekly schedule that works for both you and the classroom teacher. You can enrich your life and make a difference in the lives of children!
Visit dartsconnects.org/learning-buddies/ to learn more and sign up today!
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