Hello to all those in New Haven for the summer!

My name is Ben Lash and I am the 2011 coordinator for Summer Buds, a summer reading program for New Haven 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders. Summer Buds is a program that pairs a Yale student or "Big" that's you with a New Haven student, or "Little" a New Haven middle school student in need of mentor, teacher, and friend.

That's where you come in.  As a Big, you teach your Little to read and to love reading.  The group is also a wonderful summer community. We go on field trips, play group games, and hold adult-only events for volunteer bonding. 

If you want to do a little community service while you're here over the summer, being a Summer Buds tutor is a wonderful opportunity. Littles generally begin Summer Buds as middle-of-the-road students, but, with your help, improve considerably over the course of the summer.   

The program meets at the Slifka Center during June and July, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., a time slot that works well with most research positions and other activities people do on campus during those months. We will also have a get to know you pizza party on Wednesday, June 1. 

If you're interested in being a tutor or have more questions, please e-mail me at  This email address is hidden from email harvesters via JavaScript We'd love to have you this summer!

Best, Ben Summer Buds This email address is hidden from email harvesters via JavaScript