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“I think this seminar was great because I have been bullied my whole life. Thank you so much.”
For 40 years, the Best Friends Foundation has provided school programs dedicated to the physical and emotional well-being of adolescents.
Two decades ago, Dr. Bruno Anthony at Georgetown University conducted a throughout study of the BFF model which demonstrated that participants were much more likely to provide a friend assistance against negative behavior. In the words of Dr. Anthony, "our findings validated the name of your program Best Friends".
BFF has served over 30,000 students in our nation's Capital. And in the past, over 35,000 students in 25 cities in the United States were in Best Friends programs.
Students in BFF programs are significantly more likely to intervene when their friends are involved in risk behavior. We are proud of our track record in DC public schools for reducing violence and bullying among our students.
See these numbers for the past 3 years*
5,036
Students, teachers, and guidance counselors attended BFF seminars on anti-bullying, violence, and drug abuse from Spring 2022 – Spring 2025.
563 Scholarships
BFF has awarded over 563 scholarships totaling $1,582,789 since 1994.
85%
Nearly 85% of Middle School students memorized the BE SAFE hotline number after the seminar.
Did You Know These Facts About Best Friends Foundation?
4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Middle School students reported the BFF seminar “helped” them.
85%
BFF is happy to report that after our seminar, nearly 85% of Middle School students reported they would help someone being bullied.
5,500
BFF has distributed over 5,500
“Kindness is Cooler” and stop the Silence Prevent the Violence” booklets.
90%
Over 90% of 9th grade students described the BFF Summer Bridge Program as “worthwhile.”
What Students & Teachers Are Saying
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Building Character. Inspiring Leadership
At Best Friends Foundation, we partner with schools to deliver evidence-based programs that strengthen the physical and emotional well-being of young people from fourth grade through twelfth grade. Through enjoyable seminars, curriculum, and positive peer interactions, students can develop self-respect, self-control, and the confidence to reject bullying, violence, and substance abuse — building a foundation for lifelong success.
