Best Buddies Leadership Development programs represents one of our organization’s five key mission pillars. The programs educate and empower people with and without IDD to become leaders, public speakers and advocates. Best Buddies passionately believes that its program participants can lead the effort within their community and beyond to build a more inclusive world for people with IDD.
BESTBUDDIES® Ambassadors
Offers people with and without IDD the opportunity to gain the public speaking skills, self-esteem and confidence needed to successfully advocate for themselves, their peers and Best Buddies in communities, workplaces and government.
BESTBUDDIES® Promoters
Empowers youth to become advocates for people with IDD and help open new Best Buddies chapters and programs by organizing special events that promote awareness to the disability rights movement.
BESTBUDDIES® Transitions
Offers a combination of classroom-based training, experiential learning, and corporate mentorship to help students with IDD explore post-secondary options, prepare for independent living, and identify career ambitions. Workshops and activities offer experiences that aid youth with IDD in their transition into adulthood.
How the Ambassadors Program Works
Advocacy Training
When a Best Buddies participant joins the Ambassador program, they enter into a series of group and private training in speech writing and public and conversational speaking to become advocates for themselves and the disability rights movement.Public Speaking
Once trained, Ambassadors work with Best Buddies staff to identify public speaking opportunities in their local community, where they can share their personal stories with Best Buddies chapters, businesses, legislators, interest groups and donors.Speech Coaches
Each Ambassador is paired with a speech coach, who helps them brainstorm, organize, write, edit and practice a speech and provides one-on-one attention as needed.Ongoing Development
Throughout their participation in the program, Ambassadors have access to a variety of ongoing advocacy trainings led by Best Buddies staff.Advancement
As Ambassadors gain advocacy experience in conversational and public speaking, they have the opportunity to grow into a State or Global Ambassador where they may be invited to speak nationally or internationally on behalf of Best Buddies.How the Promoters Program Works
Connect
Students attending a school without a special education program can join a Promoters chapter to develop connections with people with IDD, or can start one by contacting their local Best Buddies state office.Ongoing Support
Each Promoters chapter is led by a President from the student body and a Faculty Advisor, and is assigned a Best Buddies staff person who offers regular support and guidance.Advocate
Once formed, Promoters chapters host events, activities, fundraisers and assemblies where they advocate for people with IDD, educate the public about inclusion and promote the ideals of the Best Buddies mission.Events
Throughout the school year, Best Buddies encourages all Promoters chapters to host as many activities as possible (minimum of 4) on and off campus that are inclusive of people with IDD.How the Transitions Program Works
Eligibility
Individuals with disabilities beginning at age 14; an annual Best Buddies Consent Form, proof of disability and/or registration documentation may be required by local vocational rehabilitation agencies, where appropriate.Educator Collaboration
Best Buddies Transitions offers students an opportunity to practice and apply career readiness and independent living skills in enriching, community-based learning experiences with support from Best Buddies staff and supporting corporate partners.Implementation
Participants will meet with Best Buddies staff on a regularly scheduled basis to engage in one-to-one programming, small-group sessions, or classroom-style lessons on topics covered by the five Pre-ETS Components, as outlined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014:- Self-Advocacy/ Mentoring
- Job Exploration Counseling
- Workplace Readiness
- Work-Based Learning Opportunities
- Post-Secondary Counseling
Maryland Chapter Listing
Elementary Schools 
Middle Schools
High Schools 
Colleges 
Citizens programTo join a chapter, click a school name below
Elementary Schools
- Cabin Branch Elementary School (Boyds, MD)
API address [ 14129 Dunlin St, Boyds, MD, 20841, US, null, null, 39.2224906, -77.29460499999999, null]
- Centennial Lane Elementary (Ellicott City, MD)
API address [ 3825 Centennial Ln, Ellicott City, MD, 21042, US, null, null, 39.2666868, -76.86085779999999, null]
- Havre De Grace Elementary (Havre de Grace, MD)
API address [ 600 S Juniata St, Havre de Grace, MD, 21078, US, null, null, 39.5419628, -76.0972463, null]
- Holy Redeemer Catholic School (Kensington, MD)
API address [ 9715 Summit Ave, Kensington, MD, 20895-3649, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- J. P. Ryon Elementary School (Waldorf, MD)
API address [ 12140 Vivian Adams Dr, Waldorf, MD, 20601-3603, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Lakewood Elementary School (Rockville, MD)
API address [ 2534 Lindley Terrace, Rockville, MD, 20850, US, null, null, 39.0874964, -77.1936388, null]
- Rock Creek Valley Elementary School (Rockville, MD)
API address [ 5121 Russett Road, Rockville, MD, 20853, US, null, null, 39.0831426, -77.1025758, null]
- St. Leonard Elementary School (Saint Leonard, MD)
API address [ 5370 St Leonard Rd, Saint Leonard, MD, 20685, US, null, null, 38.4641487, -76.49923129999999, null]
- Waugh Chapel Elementary School (Odenton, MD)
API address [ 840 Sunflower Drive, Odenton, MD, 21113, US, null, null, 39.0651861, -76.6961274, null]
- Woodfield Elementary School (Gaithersburg, MD)
API address [ 24200 Woodfield Rd, Gaithersburg, MD, 20882-3936, US, null, null, null, null, null]
Middle Schools
- Bonnie Branch Middle School (Ellicott City, MD)
API address [ 4979 Ilchester Rd, Ellicott City, MD, 21043-6837, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Boonsboro Middle School (Boonsboro, MD)
API address [ 1 Jh Wade Dr, Boonsboro, MD, 21713-1141, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Brunswick Middle School (Brunswick, MD)
API address [ 301 Cummings Dr, Brunswick, MD, 21716, US, null, null, 39.3140607, -77.6080774, null]
- Cabin John Middle School (Potomac, MD)
API address [ 10701 Gainsborough Rd, Potomac, MD, 20854-2572, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Chesapeake Bay Middle School (Pasadena, MD)
API address [ 4804 Mountain Rd, Pasadena, MD, 21122, US, null, null, 39.1098018, -76.4512245, null]
- City Neighbors Charter School (Baltimore, MD)
API address [ 4301 Raspe Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21206-1913, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- E. Russell Hicks Middle School (Hagerstown, MD)
API address [ 1321 S Potomac St, Hagerstown, MD, 21740, US, null, null, 39.6149277, -77.7332526, null]
- Ellicott Mills Middle School (Ellicott City, MD)
API address [ 4445 Montgomery Rd, Ellicott City, MD, 21043-6007, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Fallston Middle School (Fallston, MD)
API address [ 2303 Carrs Mill Rd, Fallston, MD, 21047-1839, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- General John Stricker Middle School (Dundalk, MD)
API address [ 7855 Trappe Road, Dundalk, MD, 21222, US, null, null, 39.2738185, -76.4914517, null]
- John Hanson Middle School (Waldorf, MD)
API address [ 3165 John Hanson Dr, Waldorf, MD, 20601, US, null, null, 38.6232339, -76.88933999999999, null]
- Marley Middle School (Glen Burnie, MD)
API address [ 10 Davis Ct, Glen Burnie, MD, 21060, US, null, null, 39.1486628, -76.5955972, null]
- Northeast Middle School (Pasadena, MD)
API address [ 7922 Outing Ave, Pasadena, MD, 21122, US, null, null, 39.1319027, -76.5485522, null]
- Northern Middle School (Owings, MD)
API address [ 2954 Chaneyville Rd, Owings, MD, 20736, US, null, null, 38.6849336, -76.65355110000002, null]
- Oakdale Middle School (Ijamsville, MD)
API address [ 5810 Oakdale School Road, Ijamsville, MD, 21754, US, null, null, 39.3931493, -77.3189342, null]
- Old Mill Middle School South (Millersville, MD)
API address [ 430 Old Mill Road, Millersville, MD, 21108, US, null, null, 39.1214531, -76.6165048, null]
- Oxon Hill Middle School (Fort Washington, MD)
API address [ 9570 Fort Foote Rd, Fort Washington, MD, 20744-5703, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Patterson Mill Middle School (Bel Air, MD)
API address [ 85 Patterson Mill Rd, Bel Air, MD, 21015-6241, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Robert Frost Middle School (Rockville, MD)
API address [ 9201 Scott Dr, Rockville, MD, 20850, US, null, null, 39.0758963, -77.18706759999999, null]
- Roberto Clemente Middle School (Germantown, MD)
API address [ 18808 Waring Station Rd, Germantown, MD, 20874-1920, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Rosa M. Parks Middle School (Olney, MD)
API address [ 19200 Olney Mill Rd, Olney, MD, 20832, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Severn River Middle School (Arnold, MD)
API address [ 241 Peninsula Farm Rd, Arnold, MD, 21012, US, null, null, 39.0591338, -76.5133522, null]
- Southampton Middle School (Bel Air, MD)
API address [ 1200 Moores Mill Rd, Bel Air, MD, 21014-2727, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Southwest Academy (Woodlawn, MD)
API address [ 6200 Johnnycake Rd, Woodlawn, MD, 21207-3929, US, null, null, 39.2997674, -76.7364478, null]
- Tilden Middle School (Rockville, MD)
API address [ 6300 Tilden Ln, Rockville, MD, 20852-3201, US, null, null, 39.0382215, -77.1221793, null]
High Schools
- Aberdeen High School (Aberdeen, MD)
API address [ 251 Paradise Rd, Aberdeen, MD, 21001-2324, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Academy of the Holy Cross (Kensington, MD)
API address [ 4920 Strathmore Ave, Kensington, MD, 20895-1207, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Albert Einstein High School (Kensington, MD)
API address [ 11135 Newport Mill Rd, Kensington, MD, 20895-1648, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Annapolis High School (Annapolis, MD)
API address [ 2700 Riva Rd, Annapolis, MD, 21401-7205, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Archbishop Spalding High School (Severn, MD)
API address [ 8080 New Cut Rd, Severn, MD, 21144-2301, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Arundel High School (Gambrills, MD)
API address [ 1001 Annapolis Rd, Gambrills, MD, 21054-1033, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Atholton High School (Columbia, MD)
API address [ 6520 Freetown Rd, Columbia, MD, 21044-4002, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Bel Air High School (Bel Air, MD)
API address [ 100 Heighe St, Bel Air, MD, 21014-4147, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (Bethesda, MD)
API address [ 4301 East-West Hwy, Bethesda, MD, 20814-4420, US, null, null, 38.9867342, -77.0889127, null]
- Blake High School (Silver Spring, MD)
API address [ 300 Norwood Rd, Silver Spring, MD, 20905-3800, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Bowie High School (Bowie, MD)
API address [ 15200 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD, 20715-1800, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- C. Milton Wright High School (Bel Air, MD)
API address [ 1301 N Fountain Green Rd, Bel Air, MD, 21015-2505, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Charles H. Flowers High School (Springdale, MD)
API address [ 10001 Ardwick Ardmore Rd, Springdale, MD, 20774-2640, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Chesapeake High School (Pasadena, MD)
API address [ 4798 Mountain Rd, Pasadena, MD, 21122-5839, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- City Neighbors High School (Baltimore, MD)
API address [ 5609 Sefton Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21214-2300, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Connelly School of the Holy Child (Potomac, MD)
API address [ 9029 Bradley Blvd, Potomac, MD, 20854-4604, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Crofton High School (Gambrills, MD)
API address [ 2291 Davidsonville Rd, Gambrills, MD, 21054-1701, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Damascus High School (Damascus, MD)
API address [ 25921 Ridge Rd, Damascus, MD, 20872-1846, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School (Takoma Park, MD)
API address [ 1010 Larch Ave, Takoma Park, MD, 20912, US, null, null, 38.9770812, -76.9903176, null]
- DuVal High School (Lanham, MD)
API address [ 9880 Good Luck Road, Lanham, MD, 20706-3423, US, null, null, 38.98960769595095, -76.83781031371923, null]
- Eastern Technical High School (Baltimore, MD)
API address [ 1100 Mace Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21221, US, null, null, 39.32538890000001, -76.4732715, null]
- Easton High School (Easton, MD)
API address [ 723 Mecklenburg Ave, Easton, MD, 21601, US, null, null, 38.7558777, -76.0658423, null]
- Fallston High School (Fallston, MD)
API address [ 2301 Carrs Mill Rd, Fallston, MD, 21047-1839, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Franklin High School (Reisterstown, MD)
API address [ 12000 Reisterstown Rd, Reisterstown, MD, 21136-3041, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Frederick Douglass High School (Upper Marlboro, MD)
API address [ 8000 Croom Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD, 20772-9777, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Georgetown Preparatory School (North Bethesda, MD)
API address [ 10900 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD, 20852-3209, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Glen Burnie High School (Glen Burnie, MD)
API address [ 7550 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Glen Burnie, MD, 21060-7357, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Governor Thomas Johnson High school (Frederick, MD)
API address [ 1501 N Market St, Frederick, MD, 21701, US, null, null, 39.4340062, -77.4058245, null]
- Great Mills High School (Great Mills, MD)
API address [ 21130 Great Mills Rd, Great Mills, MD, 20634-2344, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Hammond High School (Columbia, MD)
API address [ 8800 Guilford Rd, Columbia, MD, 21046-1408, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Havre de Grace High School (Havre de Grace, MD)
API address [ 445 Lewis Ln, Havre de Grace, MD, 21078-3018, US, null, null, 39.5470735, -76.0959323, null]
- Hereford High School (Parkton, MD)
API address [ 17301 York Rd, Parkton, MD, 21120-9757, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Howard High School (Ellicott City, MD)
API address [ 8700 Old Annapolis Rd, Ellicott City, MD, 21043-6920, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Kent Island High School (Stevensville, MD)
API address [ 900 Love Point Rd, Stevensville, MD, 21666, US, null, null, 38.9903266, -76.30973879999999, null]
- Lansdowne High School (Lansdowne, MD)
API address [ 3800 Hollins Ferry Rd, Lansdowne, MD, 21227, US, null, null, 39.246097, -76.652862, null]
- Linganore High School (Frederick, MD)
API address [ 12013 Old Annapolis Road Linganore High School Stadium Lot, Frederick, MD, 21701, US, null, null, 39.4316953, -77.2446374, null]
- Loyola Blakefield High School (Towson, MD)
API address [ 500 Chestnut Ave, Towson, MD, 21204-3704, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Maryvale Preparatory School (Timonium, MD)
API address [ 11300 Falls Rd, Timonium, MD, 21093, US, null, null, 39.4340798, -76.67995959999999, null]
- North County High School (Glen Burnie, MD)
API address [ 10 1st Ave, Glen Burnie, MD, 21060-2073, US, null, null, 39.1516857, -76.5932725, null]
- North Point High School (Waldorf, MD)
API address [ 2500 Davis Rd, Waldorf, MD, 20603-3857, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Northeast High School (Pasadena, MD)
API address [ 1121 Duvall Hwy, Pasadena, MD, 21122-1941, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Northern High School (Owings, MD)
API address [ 2950 Chaneyville Rd, Owings, MD, 20736-9665, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Northwestern High School (Hyattsville, MD)
API address [ 7000 Adelphi Rd, Hyattsville, MD, 20782-1454, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Our Lady of Good Counsel High School (Olney, MD)
API address [ 17301 Old Vic Blvd, Olney, MD, 20832-1603, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Oxon Hill High School (Oxon Hill, MD)
API address [ 6701 Leyte Drive, Oxon Hill, MD, 20745, US, null, null, 38.7970941, -76.9944558, null]
- Paint Branch High School (Burtonsville, MD)
API address [ 14121 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD, 20866-1721, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Patterson Mill High School (Bel Air, MD)
API address [ 85 Patterson Mill Rd, Bel Air, MD, 21015-6241, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Patuxent High School (Lusby, MD)
API address [ 12485 Southern Connector Blvd, Lusby, MD, 20657-2795, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Pocomoke High School (Pocomoke City, MD)
API address [ 1817 Old Virginia Rd, Pocomoke City, MD, 21851-3049, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Queen Anne's County High School (Centreville, MD)
API address [ 125 Ruthsburg Rd, Centreville, MD, 21617, US, null, null, 39.0438965, -76.0643187, null]
- Quince Orchard High School (Gaithersburg, MD)
API address [ 15800 Quince Orchard Rd, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878-3481, US, null, null, 39.1157481, -77.2539857, null]
- Reservoir High School (Fulton, MD)
API address [ 11550 Scaggsville Rd, Fulton, MD, 20759-2206, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- River Hill High School (Clarksville, MD)
API address [ 12101 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD, 21029-1230, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Rockville High School (Rockville, MD)
API address [ 2100 Baltimore Rd, Rockville, MD, 20851-1229, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Seneca Valley High School (Germantown, MD)
API address [ 19401 Crystal Rock Dr, Germantown, MD, 20874-1593, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Severn Run High School (Severn, MD)
API address [ 8065 New Cut Road, Severn, MD, 21144, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Severna Park High School (Severna Park, MD)
API address [ 60 Robinson Rd, Severna Park, MD, 21146-2899, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Sherwood High School (Ashton-Sandy Spring, MD)
API address [ 300 Olney Sandy Spring Rd, Ashton-Sandy Spring, MD, 20860-1005, US, null, null, 39.147927, -77.0187529, null]
- South River High School (Edgewater, MD)
API address [ 201 Central Ave E, Edgewater, MD, 21037-2802, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Springbrook High School (Silver Spring, MD)
API address [ 201 Valley Brook Dr, Silver Spring, MD, 20904-2946, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- St. Andrew's Episcopal School (Potomac, MD)
API address [ 8804 Postoak Road, Potomac, MD, 20854, US, null, null, 39.0465924, -77.1763342, null]
- Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (Bethesda, MD)
API address [ 9101 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20814-3811, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Suitland High School (District Heights, MD)
API address [ 5200 Silver Hill Rd, District Heights, MD, 20747-2045, US, null, null, 38.8543988, -76.91721919999999, null]
- Thomas S. Wootton High School (Rockville, MD)
API address [ 2100 Wootton Pkwy, Rockville, MD, 20850-3037, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Towson High School (Towson, MD)
API address [ 69 Cedar Ave, Towson, MD, 21286-7844, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Walt Whitman High School (Bethesda, MD)
API address [ 7100 Whittier Blvd, Bethesda, MD, 20817-6170, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Walter Johnson High School (Bethesda, MD)
API address [ 6400 Rock Spring Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20817-1913, US, null, null, 39.0257625, -77.13051879999999, null]
- Wicomico High School (Salisbury, MD)
API address [ 201 Long Ave, Salisbury, MD, 21804, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Wilde Lake High School (Columbia, MD)
API address [ 5460 Trumpeter Rd, Columbia, MD, 21044-2314, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Winston Churchill High School (Potomac, MD)
API address [ 11300 Gainsborough Rd, Potomac, MD, 20854-3700, US, null, null, null, null, null]
Colleges
- Bowie State University (Bowie, MD)
API address [ 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD, 20715, US, null, null, 39.01812169999999, -76.75972709999999, null]
- Community College of Baltimore County Dundalk (Dundalk, MD)
API address [ CCBC Dundalk Wellness & Athletics Center, Dundalk, MD, 21222-4649, US, null, null, 39.2672503, -76.512058, null]
- Hood College (Frederick, MD)
API address [ Hood College, Frederick, MD, 21701-8524, US, null, null, 39.4221419, -77.4204415, null]
- Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
API address [ 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD, 21218-2625, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Loyola University Maryland (Baltimore, MD)
API address [ 4501 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD, 21210-2601, US, null, null, 39.3461942, -76.62138, null]
- McDaniel College (Westminster, MD)
API address [ 2 College Hill, Westminster, MD, 21157-4303, US, null, null, 39.58418520000001, -77.0019169, null]
- Midshipmen Action Group (Annapolis, MD)
API address [ 121 Blake Rd, Annapolis, MD, 21402-1300, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- Montgomery College (Rockville, MD)
API address [ PA, Rockville, MD, 20850-1101, US, null, null, 39.0978131, -77.15692109999999, null]
- Salisbury University (Salisbury, MD)
API address [ 1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury, MD, 21801-6837, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- St. Mary's College of Maryland (Saint Marys City, MD)
API address [ Maintenance Building/Central Receiving, Saint Marys City, MD, 20686-3002, US, null, null, 38.1880114, -76.4238269, null]
- Stevenson University (Stevenson, MD)
API address [ 1525 Greenspring Vly Rd, Stevenson, MD, 21153-0641, US, null, null, 39.4219683, -76.7007086, null]
- Towson University (Towson, MD)
API address [ 8000 York Rd, Towson, MD, 21252-0001, US, null, null, null, null, null]
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Baltimore, MD)
API address [ Information Technology/ Engineering, Baltimore, MD, 21250-0001, US, null, null, 39.2537213, -76.7143524, null]
- University of Maryland, College Park (College Park, MD)
API address [ Mitchell Bldg, College Park, MD, 20742, US, null, null, 38.9866767, -76.93950439999999, null]
- Washington College (Chestertown, MD)
API address [ Kent House, Chestertown, MD, 21620-1438, US, null, null, 39.2184284, -76.0673379, null]
Citizens
- Maryland Citizens (Baltimore, MD)
API address [ null, Baltimore, MD, null, null, null, null, null, null, null]
Is your school not listed? Click here for info on how to start a chapter.
