Summer was an exciting time filled with learning and exploration for both children and members! Summer programming was offered to children who did not have the opportunity to participate in Jumpstart during the school year. Jumpstart’s summer programming reached over 1,200 new children and engaged new neighborhoods and early education centers. Over 130 Jumpstart members spent their summer serving multiple classrooms through seven programs using a curriculum specifically designed for summer.
The summer programs presented new opportunities to members. Here are a few examples:
Summer in New York City, NY
In addition to their service in the classroom, members also participated in ongoing professional development and joined a Jumpstart Special Interest Group: Curriculum Development/Early Childhood Education, Policy & Advocacy, or Family Engagement. The groups received training on these topics from Jumpstart staff as well as experts from partner organizations. Members also worked together on projects focused on their group’s topic.
Summer in Los Angeles, CA
During the last meeting of the summer program, Jumpstart Summer members were awarded the “Summer Trailblazer Award.” These members made up the first ever summer program in Los Angeles! In addition, these hybrid teams, comprised of USC college students and older adults from our Los Angeles Community Corps program (members 55+ year of age), created the first summer intergenerational pilot program, bringing three generations together in the preschool classroom. Children, members, and preschool staff are already looking forward to next summer!
Summer in Boston, MA
As the summer came to an end, members began to think about what comes next. To that end, Jumpstart staff hosted a Workforce Meet & Greet Panel. During the event, panelists from City Year, Citizen Schools, Action for Boston Community Development, Horizons for Homeless Children, and Teach for America shared information about their organizations and employment/service opportunities members might be interested in pursuing. The Panel responded to questions during a Q&A session and then broke out into networking circles for further discussion. The summer program in Boston focused on member development and this event was a meaningful way for members to wrap up their service!
I enjoy working with the children that summer, I am looking forward to workimg next summer if you will have me. Thank you so much.