Interested in going into the teaching field or simply love interacting with young kids? Consider the Jumpstart program.
I recently got a job working for the Jumpstart program which is "a national early education organization that recruits and trains college students and community Corps members to serve preschool children in low-income neighborhoods. Our proven curriculum helps children develop the language and literacy skills they need to be ready for kindergarten, setting them on a path to close the achievement gap before it is too late."
Although I have not begun working in the field yet, I can already tell just by speaking to some of those who have been involved with the program for a while that it is going to be a great experience. I plan on getting a collaborative degree that allows me to teach elementary school or special education, so this will be very good practice for me for the future. If you are going into a similar major I suggest that you absolutely sign up, but you do not have to be a future teacher to join.
I recently spoke to the woman who runs that program at Southern, (I will provide you with her information at the end of this post), and she was encouraging those of us who are already signed up to spread the word and advocate for it. You can easily apply for a job on the website, jstart.org, and set up an interview in Davis Hall on campus. All of the schools we go to are located in New Haven, so if you own a car or a friend like me in the program to carpool with, have an opening in your schedule, and want to broaden your horizons with a great work experience, Jumpstart is the place to do it. (Plus you get over a thousand dollars after each semester is over that you can use toward your loans or tuition. Who wouldn't want an extra $1000?)
I took a little bit of time out of my day on Wednesday to hand out fliers for the program around campus. It is so important that these under-privileged kids obtain the essential skills they need to be successful in kindergarten to set the tone for the rest of their lives. I spoke to quite a few people who seemed interested, but Jumpstart is always looking for more volunteers! I may be passing out some more fliers this next week, so if you see me around please stop and ask me any questions you might have. This program is more than just a job, you are instilling a love of learning in the hearts of young kids. Make a difference with Jumpstart.
Contact information:
Amanda Gryzkewicz | Site Manager
Jumpstart | Alumna '06-'10
Office: 203.392.7590 | Fax: 203.392.5992
501 Crescent Street
Davis 112
New Haven, Connecticut 06515
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