About

In 2023, the Study Buddy Learning Program started as a Girl Scout Silver Award project by a group of 6th- and 7th-graders at Maple Creek Middle School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

The troop had a vision to encourage younger students to learn during the summer because not all students had the same opportunities. Many younger elementary students lack access to affordable or local programs that can help them maintain their reading and math skills over the break.

 To help close this gap, they started a free, peer-to-peer summer tutoring program, connecting middle school students with K–2 learners. The goal was simple: keep kids engaged in learning while making it fun and personal.

 They launched their pilot program at Perry Hill Elementary School in the Summer of 2024. The program was small— but a huge success! Both the younger students and their middle school tutors loved the experience and wanted it to continue.

 Encouraged by this success, they expanded in the Summer of 2025 to three elementary schools. To support the program’s growth and keep it free for families, they applied to become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—allowing them to strengthen fundraising, partnerships, and community support.

Looking ahead to Summer 2026, the goal is to bring the program to all eight elementary schools in the Northwest Allen County Schools district and to collaborate with other school districts to offer even more learning locations for local students.

 Together, they are building a stronger, more connected community of learners—one study buddy at a time.