In February 2025, Best Buddies Alabama hosted a highly successful “Back to Best Buddies Training” for elementary school advisors from Tuscaloosa City Schools. This event marked an exciting milestone after Best Buddies launched chapters across the entire district during the 2024-2025 school year.

The training brought together advisors from elementary schools across the district to ensure the success and growth of their Best Buddies chapters. Participants took part in workshops focusing on building inclusive environments for our youngest student population, chapter management, and fostering meaningful relationships for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities through creative events.

A highlight of the training was a presentation from Rock Quarry Elementary’s advisors, who shared the remarkable growth of their chapter. Since its launch, the chapter has already expanded to 90 members, showcasing the power of inclusion and the enthusiasm of both students and staff. The advisors discussed strategies that helped them achieve such impressive growth, offering invaluable insights for other schools looking to build or expand their chapters.

With the training and shared experiences, Tuscaloosa City Schools advisors are now better equipped to create lasting, supportive friendships for students with disabilities. The event underscored the commitment to inclusion within the district and set the stage for even more success in the coming year.