Jumpstart for Young Children’s Atalaya Sergi to Lead AmeriCorps Seniors

As Director of AmeriCorps Seniors, Sergi Will Engage 200,000+ Seniors Annually in Service Opportunities

Boston, MA (January 20, 2021) – On the heels of this year’s MLK Day of Service – the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer for the improvement of their communities – Jumpstart for Young Children (Jumpstart) celebrates the appointment of Atalaya Sergi to serve as Director of AmeriCorps Seniors, which engages over 200k Americans over age 55 in service opportunities annually.

“I have been proud to represent Jumpstart and share our work for 13 years,” said Sergi. “Now, at a most challenging time in our nation’s history, I am honored to join the historic Biden-Harris administration and to serve my country by harnessing the experience, passion, and leadership of older Americans to make a positive impact in their communities.”

Sergi has held multiple leadership roles over her 13-year tenure with Jumpstart. In 2011, she launched the Jumpstart-Foster Grandparent Program in Los Angeles and oversaw its expansion, engaging over 500 seniors to support and guide young children for success in kindergarten and beyond. In her most recent position as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Programming, Sergi pioneered a new workforce model to grow the pipeline of future early childhood educators.

“Atalaya’s impact on Jumpstart and our partner communities is immeasurable,” said Jumpstart CEO Naila Bolus. “Her strategic guidance, ability to bring innovative ideas to fruition, and her courage and compassion have enabled Jumpstart to accelerate progress towards our vision.”

Bolus continued, “Jumpstart’s loss is our country’s gain. At a time when America faces urgent and profound challenges, Atalaya is the right leader to bring out the best of America, uniting our nation through service.”

Currently, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers are in service in nearly 30,000 locations across the United States and territories through its Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and RSVP programs. Through their service, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers stay healthy and active, improving their own lives as they improve the lives of others.

Sergi will take the helm of AmeriCorps Seniors on January 27, 2021.

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ABOUT JUMPSTART FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Jumpstart is a national early education organization working toward the day every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed. Jumpstart advances equitable learning outcomes for young children in underserved communities by recruiting and supporting caring adults to deliver high-quality programming to children and drive systems change through teaching, advocacy, and leadership. Jumpstart is also a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. Learn more at jstart.org and follow us on Twitter at @Jumpstartkids.