Jumpstart
View “At Home Learning Resources” for you and your preschool student. If you’re interested in volunteering, view our FAQs for more information.
In low-income neighborhoods, children start kindergarten 60% behind their peers from more affluent communities.
Because of Jumpstart, 91% of children made language and literacy gains as measured by a teacher observation tool.
97% of Corps Members are satisfied with their involvement in Jumpstart
What is Jumpstart?
Jumpstart is a program where program participants serve in local preschools to support preschool students’ academic, social and emotional development. Jumpstart participants work in teams to deliver the Jumpstart curriculum in twice-weekly sessions. In these sessions, program participants lead book readings and other activities specifically designed to be educational and engaging. Additionally, program participants spend time supporting teachers and students in the classrooms as well as planning and preparing for sessions. During the 2020-2021 program year, the program has been operating virtually with a modified curriculum delivered in a virtual format.
Is previous experience working with children required to serve with Jumpstart?
No! It is not required that you have previous experience working with children. We are looking for people that are open to learning and willing to make a commitment to our students, families and partners. We will provide you with significant training to make sure you’re ready to work with preschool students. We are also looking for participants with strong interpersonal skills, work ethic, professionalism and an ability to communicate effectively with people with diverse interests, skills and backgrounds
What is the time commitment for Jumpstart?
Jumpstart members serve at least 300 hours over the course of the program year. This averages out to about 10-12 hours a week.
Where do Jumpstart members serve?
For the 2020-2021 program year, we are currently serving virtually three local preschools. These preschools are Sheltering Arms Barack & Michelle Obama Center, Our House-Atlanta and Our House-Decatur.
Will your program operate virtually in Fall 2021?
We are not sure yet. We will continue to monitor the situation and work with our preschool partners to ensure everyone’s safety.
Besides the opportunity to serve with preschool students, are there other benefits?
Yes! After successful completion of your service, you’ll receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1300. You can also serve with Jumpstart as your Federal Work-study position. You will also receive training and the opportunity to develop your teamwork and leadership skills.
How do I know if I’m eligible to serve with Jumpstart?
Jumpstart is an AmeriCorps program and participants must meet certain requirements:
- be a citizen, national or lawful permanent resident of the United States
- have a high school diploma or equivalent
- successfully complete a mandatory criminal background check (this position has recurring access to vulnerable populations)
How do I know if I’m eligible to receive a Federal Work-Study?
If Federal Work-Study is not part of your financial aid award, you may still be able to qualify for Work-Study. Contact Student Financial Services and ask if you qualify: https://sfs.gsu.edu/
Are you interested in helping local preschool students build essential skills that they’ll need in kindergarten and beyond? If so join Jumpstart! We are currently looking for college students who want to serve local preschool students and their families.
Apply Here: my.jstart.org/apply
In addition to the opportunity to make a difference, we provide other benefits.
- Earn Federal Work-Study
- Opportunity to receive a $1300 AmeriCorps education award
- Receive high-quality training
- Gain significant leadership and teamwork experience
At Home Learning Resources
Jumpstart At Home
Text Message Resources
Follow along with Jumpstart corps members as they create activities you can create and do at home!
What Our Jumpstart Corps Members Say
“To me, Jumpstart is a tool to spread literacy among children and close the educational gap between wealth. However, Jumpstart stands for more than just that as the program prioritizes inclusivity and acknowledgment of others. Jumpstart allows me to develop these bonds with children, to not only expose them to language but foster learning in general.” —Michael Nguyen
“Jumpstart is not an organization to me instead it is a home for us to spread love and joy to the children in our environment and impact their lives. Jumpstart has given me the opportunity to do more for myself and be a leader for others. This is a great place for everyone to be in.” —Jada Johnson
“Jumpstart is an exceptional program that I believe nurtures the minds of many children in a positive manner. It allows children who usually would not be able to receive this help to get a head start. That is why it is great.” —Ethan Kearney
Contact Us
Contact Us
Program director:
Julius Cave, M.S.
Tel: 404-413-8431
Email: jcave@gsu.edu
Office Hours
Monday-Friday,
8:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
Mailing Address
College of Education & Human Development
P.O. Box 3976
Atlanta, GA 30302-3976