Making a Difference for the Children of Camden
Jumpstart is a national early education organization that recruits and trains college students and community volunteers to work with preschool children in low-income neighborhoods. Through a proven curriculum, these children develop the language and literacy skills they need to be ready for school, setting them on a path to close the achievement gap before it is too late.
Reaching Our Youngest Learners
This year, Jumpstart at Rutgers-Camden will reach out to over 200 children at the Early Learning Research Academy (ELRA) with the vision to expand to other childcare facilities in Camden in the following years. Jumpstart’s mission is greatly driven by the college students (Jumpstart Corps Members) who commit to 300 hours of work during an academic year to contribute to an assigned child’s growth and development.
During the school year, Jumpstart members:
- Complete 300 hours of service
- Serve part-time, 12-15 hours per week
- Communicate with teachers and families and share strategies for helping children
- Participate in intensive pre-service and on-going trainings
Compensation and benefits include:
- Potential to earn Work-Study award during term of service
- Potential to earn an AmeriCorps education award to pay for tuition, loans, or other qualified expenses
- Potential to earn 3 course credits
- Extensive training in the field of early childhood education
- Unique opportunity to join a national network of individuals serving young children
- Invaluable opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young children