Buddy Application

We believe being a buddy is a life changing experience.

"The Spectrum Project is by far the best thing I have been involved in at UNI. I cannot begin to explain how rewarding this organization is by the connections you make with performers, and the impact they all have on me!" - Ashley Graham, Elementary Education and Special Education

"Being a buddy has helped me grow as an individual while gaining experience helping children with differing abilities! Every Saturday was like getting to be a kid again. The final show is a reminder of the impact we make on these kids, bringing so much meaning and joy behind the Spectrum Project!" - Madison Simon, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Family Services

"Being a buddy changed my life. Having this experience with the kids brought me to the overwhelming happiness that I have today. I am forever grateful for this organization." - Paige Norland, Therapeutic Recreation

"The Spectrum project is life changing for both the UNI volunteers and the performers in the project. Working together to create music and engage in other aspects of the arts is a beautiful way to come together and engage in these wonderful art forms that are meant to be enjoyed by all human beings!" - Michelle Meadows, Flute Performance, Music Therapy

"The best part about Spectrum is that, no matter what kind of week you're having, you get to spend your Saturday afternoons with some of the happiest children and experience so much joy in those few hours. It really is the highlight of my spring semester!" - Cheyanne Chapin, Music Education and Math Teaching

"Spectrum project is what gets me through the week every spring semester! Nothing beats the joy you are created with by your performer every Saturday, and getting to be next to them when they step on the GBPAC stage for the final performance!!" - Stephanie Morrison, Communication Sciences and Disorders

"The best part of every week is being able to see my buddy's face and having the chance to make them smile. There is honestly nothing better." - Audrey Klunenberg, Art Education and Elementary Education

"Playing and creating with the performers is an unforgettable and wonderful experience. Being a buddy brings so much joy into my spring semester!" - Kayla Zeimet, THeatre for Youth

"Being a buddy is one of the most rewarding things you could ever do. You get to help make kids laugh ad smile every weekend and watch them grow and just be their awesome, goofy selves. To be able to see these performers, that do not always get the same opportunities as everyone else, get time to be themselves and shine is truly a magical thing." - Jenna Willer, Movement and Exercise Minor- Pre-Occupational Therapy

"In any youth, it's amazing to see when they have a fire of passion burning in their soul. As a buddy, YOU can help light the kindling that ignites creativity and joy not only in these kids but also in yourself." - Abbie Greene, Music and Psychology

"Being a part of the Spectrum Project has been life changing for me. Hanging out with these kids every Saturday always puts things in perspective! " - Hannah Sanderman, Leisure, Youth & Human Services

"Being a buddy is an exceptional opportunity here on the University of Northern Iowa. It makes you feel like a big sibling to all the kids and showing them how to do fun things! You will be proud to be a buddy!" - Hannah Ackerman, History

"Being apart of this project has been one of the best experiences I’ve had, I look forward to it every year and these kids seriously change your life." - Danielle Anderson

"When I first became a buddy, I was absolutely terrified. I had no idea what to expect at all. But once everyone got comfortable, I found that Saturday's were my favorite days and it provided me with so much happiness that it was unbelievable. The Spectrum Project and it's performers have my heart." - Nichole Wollmuth, Social Work

"Volunteering for the Spectrum Project was one of the greatest decisions I have ever made and one of the best experiences of my college career. The child I got the opportunity to work with has made the greatest impact on me that I could ever imagine. There is nothing better than getting the chance to spend my Saturdays with a child that has an unending positivity, happiness, and optimism. I came in to Spectrum thinking I would teach my Spectrum buddy, but he ended up teaching me more than I could imagine." - Maureen Hart, Elementary Education

"Volunteering for Spectrum Project helped me develop empathy for all the challenges these kids face, but even more so, to believe in their potential to rise above them. These kids surprised me with their amazing talents and positive attitudes!" - Linnea Casey, Music Education

"Becoming a Spectrum Buddy was one of the best decisions I've made here at UNI. Nothing could make my week better and brighten my day more than seeing the Spectrum performers light up when they have the opportunity to let go, have fun, and express themselves through the arts." - Anna Kircher, Elementary Education

“The joy I experienced each Saturday at the Spectrum Project always lasted long past the end of a session - in fact, six months after our final show, it's still lasting!” - Beth Kosmicki, Communication Sciences and Disorders

“Being a buddy was something I absolutely loved. Each week I looked forward to going and getting to see my buddy. The children are truly amazing and taught me so much. You can't leave Saturday not feeling amazing. The kids’ joy is just so contagious.” - KK Conn, MA Speech Pathology

"I never imagined the impact Spectrum Project would have on me when I signed up to be a buddy. It has been the highlight of my year at UNI and I am so glad to have had the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing program. These kids truly changed my perspective!" - Megan Newland, Elementary Education

"These children left a lasting impact on my life. They taught me to be silly, happy, and carefree. I am so thankful to have been a part of the Spectrum Project." - Makenzie Dohse, Communication Sciences and Disorders

"Being involved with the Spectrum project reminded me that music is a language we all speak.” - Michelle Meadows, Music Education

"The Spectrum Project taught me not to place all of these children into one box. They all brighten your day in the most unique ways!” - Breann Kragt, Social Work

"Being a part of the Spectrum Project brought so much joy into my life. It's a place where you can create meaningful relationships with amazing people, be a complete fool with no judgement, and be reminded of what is truly important every single week." - Christina Meadows

"Spectrum has allowed me to make an impact on others while allowing the kids to substantially impact my life as well." - Tirara Van Gerpen, Leisure, Youth and Human Services

“Spectrum allowed me to have fun, act silly and make an impact all in one afternoon. How much better can it get?!” - Alyssa Adamec, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Viola Performance

“It's incredible to watch them grow right before my eyes. They are always teaching me something about life.” - Shaina Davis, Music Therapy

"I came to Spectrum every weekend and watched my buddy realize that he was capable of more than he had ever imagined. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything." - Rachel Bearinger, Music Education

“The Spectrum Project is an extraordinary program that I have had the chance to be apart of. Spectrum has changed my life and the kids you meet will change your life forever!” - Lindsey Jerdee, Art Education