02/20/2026
Study Buddy Program: An Investment in Our Community's Future
Dear Community Members,
Growing up in Clinton, NY, my grandmother, Helen Gleason, instilled in me the belief that education is the most precious gift we can give the next generation. This conviction has shaped my career dedicated to expanding educational access for students domestically and internationally, including pro bono work with underserved populations.
Since meeting Cassandra Harris-Lockwood at Kirkland College in 1969, our five-decade friendship has been marked by a shared commitment to educational equity. Cassandra's creation of the Study Buddy Program through For the Good, Inc. embodies the values we developed during our college years: education should be accessible regardless of economic circumstances. Her two decades of dedication have transformed countless lives, and I am honored to support this vision of sustainable, community-driven educational opportunities.
The Study Buddy Program takes a proactive approach to ensuring academic success for minority and under-served students. Beginning at Hamilton College, this initiative provides free on-campus tutoring to students whose families cannot afford private educational support, but who aspire to improve their grades, complete high school, and attend college. Rather than waiting for students to fall behind, the program intervenes early, creating pathways to achievement before challenges become insurmountable.
The program's impact demonstrates the power of proactive intervention. It creates a self-sustaining cycle where older siblings' success inspires younger family members and elevates community status. Students form positive peer groups that attract classmates toward academic achievement, improve classroom behavior, and raise GPAs, while providing viable alternatives to street gangs. College tutors serve as near-peer role models, offering personal attention and immersion in campus culture that allows students to experience a transformative world beyond their familiar environment.
This approach yields substantial community benefits with minimal cost. Law enforcement has documented reductions in gang activity and crime, leading to significant cost savings for police budgets and enhanced public safety. By addressing the root causes of poverty through education and opportunity, For the Good, Inc. creates meaningful jobs across all demographics and catalyzes grassroots economic development.
Building on the proven success of the Study Buddy Program, For the Good, Inc. is now positioned to expand this transformative model to minority and underserved communities along the Erie Canal corridor. This expansion represents a strategic opportunity to replicate documented outcomes across a broader geographic area, reaching more young people who would benefit from proactive academic support and mentorship. The program's track record demonstrates that early intervention, combined with sustained community engagement, creates lasting change that benefits entire regions.
I strongly urge you to invest in this initiative that strengthens our communities through education, safety, and economic opportunities. Your support will enable For the Good, Inc. to bring the Study Buddy Program's proven approach to more students who deserve access to the educational resources that can transform their lives and futures.
Sincerely,
Judith Hansen
All the best,
Judith Winters
College Counseling
39 Ore Hill Road
Lakeville, CT 06039
Home (860) 435-9317
Cell (860) 248-9452
WeChat ID: bestejudu
Skype judith.h.winters
