Kelsey Mix – Online Editor/Copy Editor
Here at Southern, there are many community service opportunities and ways we can help people in need. Jumpstart is one of these remarkable programs that were brought to campus that does just that.
“Jumpstart is a national coalition of organizations dedicated to improving the financial literacy of pre-kindergarten through college-age youth by providing advocacy, research, standards and educational resources,” said junior elementary education major Coty Grosso.
Grosso is a regular participant in the Jumpstart program and loves working with the children. “It means putting my best foot forward and helping these children succeed in life,” she said. “It means making sure every child succeeds, not just one or two.”
The Southern Jumpstart teams go into the preschools two days a week and each individual team member has their own personal days to assist in the classroom. The program is very lenient with students’ schedules so they can get into the classrooms and help as much as possible.
Anay’s Cruz, junior early childhood and mathematics major, changed her major from elementary education after working with Jumpstart. “Jumpstart is more than just an experience for me,” said Cruz. “Being a part of the program truly taught me about not just my major, but also about my leadership skills as a Team Leader.” Cruz became a Team Leader regardless of not getting paid for the hard work she put into the position.
“Being a Team Leader and working with the teachers and children is definitely one of my favorite parts,” Cruz said. “Watching the children learn and grow is probably the best part though.” She would love to work with the students even more on an everyday basis because it would be even more beneficial to the children.
Sophomore English major, Kayla Brown, is one of the Jumpstart team members not in the education program. She said even though its just work-study, it’s one of the greatest things she’s even been a part of.
“I personally believe that Jumpstart should be a gen-ed,” Brown stated. “It brings perspective to what is happening in lower-income schools regarding the achievement gap, and also shows you that you can make a difference in your community.”
Jumpstart has made such a difference that they have received multiple awards such as the AmeriCorps Spirit of Service Award, Bank of America Neighborhood Builder Award, and the prestigious Cause Marketing Halo Award, according to Jumpstart’s website.
The program is active in 20 states with 80 sites around the country. The Jumpstart Department of Education and Research stated that, “Jumpstart has directly and indirectly served more than 42,000 children since 1993.” Not only that, but they have been “increasing the number of children served per year by 240 percent since 2005.”
“To be honest, the first reason why I joined was for work study,” Grosso said. “However, when I realized that I wouldn’t be getting paid, I volunteered because I wanted to experience what Jumpstart had to offer.” She confessed that it was worth the time she put into it, even though it was a lot of work, because they were making such a difference.
If you are interested in the Jumpstart program, you can apply atwww.jstart.org or email the Amanda Gryzkewicz, the Site Manager at Southern, at gryzkewicza1000@southernct.edu.
“Even if you’re not an education major you can still join,” said Brown. “Jumpstart isn’t only about working with children, it’s about strengthening your leadership skills, your ability to cooperate with a team, time management and responsibility.”
