Brain Wave Buddies

Brainwave Buddies is an art-based creative mentorship program that is designed to bring together students that identify as neurodiverse from both Gonzaga University and Yasuhara Middle School.  It aims to foster a sense of community amongst the students (grades 6-8) through creative-based curriculum that is adaptable to the unique needs of the participants. This program aims to provide students with the support and tools to promote self-advocacy for their own unique needs and strengths, both in and outside of the classroom. Our curriculum also aims to create confidence in post-secondary education and career exploration of students who identify as neurodivergent, through the lived experience of our mentors and student leaders. Mentors will attend weekly programming (Mondays 3:00-5:30 PM) at Yasuhara Middle School and a monthly lunch visit. Mentors will also be required to attend a weekly meeting with their student leaders and AmeriCorps to discuss the upcoming activity.  

 

Brainwave Buddies will launch January 2025, beginning as a semester long commitment for GU Students. Starting Fall 2025, Brainwave Buddies will be a year-long commitment for GU Students. We strongly encourage GU Students to remain in the program for more than one year, but it is not a requirement.