Description:
Jumpstart 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.

Through this relationship, Jumpstart inspires children to learn, adults to teach, families to get involved and communities to progress together. Jumpstart is working toward the day every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed.

Contact Info
Name: Jess Bryson
E-mail: jessica.bryson@tufts.edu
Phone: (617) 627-2324
Office: Lincoln Filene Hall, 106, Medford, MA 02155
Website: www.jstart.org

Program Details
College: Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service
Timeframe: Full Academic Year OR Summer
Student level: Undergraduate or graduate students
Paid or unpaid: Work-study, plus AmeriCorps Education Award if eligible
Geographic location: Somerville and Boston’s Chinatown
Site requirements: Preschools serving low-income populations
Supervisor requirements: A school liaison helps with orientation and assessment of children; teachers provide minimal supervision of the college students
Academic requirements: Students receive 60 hours of training, and are encouraged to take a companion child development course.
Faculty supervision: Weekly contact with student team leader and time as needed with staff site manager.
Anticipated outcome: Children will be prepared to succeed when they enter kindergarten with foundational knowledge of literacy and social skills built through concentrated and in-depth attention from teams of college students.