The Study Buddies Program is a free after school tutorial program that focuses on students in grades K-5 through the 8th, with resources available to high school students.

The effort is designed to improve the access to resources for students in low to moderate income areas and is dedicated to educating students in academics and life skills to develop more universal individuals that can adapt and survive in the future's ever changing environment. Snacks are served to assure the promotion of healthy nutritional lifestyles.

Certified teachers teach the tutorial components, and Parks and Recreation personnel and local university interns plan and implement the life skills components. Local colleges, universities, human services agencies, and non-profit agencies also fund and instruct life skills classes and field trips. Extra-curricular activities include seasonal organized team sports, dance classes, drama classes, arts and crafts, girl scouts, boys clubs, mime classes, step-teams, and a youth chorus. In the 2002-2003 academic year, nearly 225 students have been served.

The Study Buddies Program establishes improved parent-student, parent-teacher, teacher-student, and school district-community relationships that enhance each student’s opportunity for success. The Study Buddies Program is funded by the City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department, the City of Greenville Community Development Department, The South Carolina Department of Social Services, and the Metropolitan Arts Council.

The program is administered in the Juanita Butler (Nicholtown), West Greenville (David Hellams), and Bobby Pearse community centers within the city limits of Greenville , South Carolina. The Study Buddies Program is a vital community element and learning mechanism that helps to equalize the arenas of academia and life.

Contact Information: 
Main Office (864) 467-4355 Fax (864) 467-5735 Administration
Annette Kerns, Community Center Specialist: (864) 467-4491 kernsa@greatergreenville.com
Steven Evans, Community Center Specialist: (864) 467-4486 evanss@greatergreenville.com