The Community Leadership Center is excited to launch the Early Learning Literacy Ambassadors (ELSA) Program, a new initiative designed to strengthen early childhood literacy while preparing the next generation of educators.
The Community Leadership Center’s Early Learning Research Academy (ELRA) at Rutgers University–Camden is a nationally recognized early childhood center and innovation hub. ELRA provides high-quality early education for children from infancy through pre-kindergarten while serving as a living research and training laboratory for best practices in early learning.
Through this new effort, trained Rutgers Student Ambassadors—college graduate and undergraduate students will be placed in our classrooms. Working side by side with teachers, Ambassadors will lead small-group literacy activities, support one-on-one reading practice, and host engaging Literacy Circles after school that include families in the learning process.
Our goals are simple but powerful:
- Ensure every child builds strong foundational literacy skills.
- Provide more individualized support during the school day.
- Engage families in reading and literacy activities at home.
- Support the academic growth of college students, particularly those interested in becoming educators, through applied learning opportunities.
- Ambassadors receive specialized training, ongoing coaching, and the opportunity to make a direct impact on children’s lives while gaining valuable hands-on experience in education.
Why Become a Literacy Ambassador?
- Hands-on classroom experience in literacy
- Training & professional coaching
- Work-study pay, service-learning credit, or stipends
- Leadership & teaching skills for your career
- Make a real difference in children’s lives
Eligibility
- College students at Rutgers-Camden (GPA 2.75+)
- Passion for working with children and supporting literacy
- 8–12 hours/week commitment
- Background check/clearances required
Time Commitment
- In-Class: Small-group and 1:1 literacy support
- After-School: Lead Literacy Circles with families
- Regular Coaching: Professional growth & feedback
Together, we are building readers, empowering families, and shaping tomorrow’s educators.
For more information—or to apply to become an Early Learning Literacy Ambassador—please visit the website or send your resume and short statement of interest to: CLC/ELRA, wandag@camden.rutgers.edu or call 856-225-6348.
Wanda Garcia, Ph.D.,
wandag@camden.rutgers.edu
(Work) 856-225-6903
(Cell)856-577-5964