Need a friend?

Ohio Northern University students are back on campus and Ada Friends, a mentoring program between ONU students and students in Ada schools, is organizing for 2014-15.

“Applications are now available for both Bigs (ONU mentors) and Littles (Ada students) and are due Saturday, Sept. 13,” Austin Hilverding, ONU student and Ada Friends Coordinator said.

Ada Friends, organized in 1991 through the Ohio Northern University Religious Life staff, last school year matched over 75 Ada students with college mentors

The ONU Religious Life Staff is under the direction of David MacDonald, ONU chaplain.

“Any child in the Ada schools, from kindergarten to eighth grade can be matched with an ONU student,” Hilverding said. “The match offers the student and mentor one hour a week of time together to develop a relationship.”

In addition to the one-on-one aspect of the program, Ada Friends also offers monthly events with all mentors and mentees.

There is no cost to participate.

Once the matches are set students and their mentors have a variety of choices on when and where to get together each week.

For parents interested in more information about the program, click here to view Ada Friends facebook, or contact JHilverding at [email protected]

Attachments to this story include an application form.