Jumpstart for Young Children Hosts Storytelling Event with Mark Ronson, Curtis Martin and Educators

The producer, Hall of Famer and Corps Member alumni discussed their own journeys of mentorship and support for early childhood programs

NEW YORK — On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, Jumpstart for Young Children hosted JumpSTORY, a celebration of support for their Corps Members’ early care and education program, featuring appearances by Grammy and Academy Award-winning producer and songwriter Mark Ronson and Pro Football Hall of Famer Curtis Martin who discussed their own journeys of mentorship, the power of stories and how to help others unleash their potential.  

Jumpstart’s Corps Members program provides college students with high-quality training and ongoing coaching to deliver Jumpstart’s research-based early childhood curriculum to children living in low-income communities. The JumpSTORY event also featured Jumpstart Corps Member alumni who shared their personal stories about experiences working in early childhood education programs. 

“To be able to hear from so many people about the impact of mentorship and early education on their lives was truly eye-opening and inspiring,” said Naila Bolus, CEO of Jumpstart for Young Children. “Whether stories are shared by our own Corps Members, renowned musicians or some of the best athletes in the world, events like JumpSTORY demonstrate just how critical our work is in the communities we serve and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that all children are given a chance to thrive.”

At JumpSTORY, attendees were able to hear impactful stories on how the items they had learned through the program were able to transcend into the real world and into early childhood programs across the country. The event also featured performances by Geoff Gallante and Felix Mads Mosenholm, two students from The Juilliard School who shared the art of story through music. And to close out the ceremony, Kim Mitchell, the Chair of Jumpstart’s Board, announced Crystal Rountree as the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Jumpstart who will join the organization in January 2024.

 

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ABOUT JUMPSTART FOR YOUNG CHILDREN 

For nearly 30 years, Jumpstart has been fueled by the belief that providing high-quality educational opportunities to all young children prepares them for academic and economic success later in life. Jumpstart advances equitable learning outcomes for young children by recruiting and supporting caring adults to deliver high-quality programming and drive systems change through teaching, advocacy, and leadership. Jumpstart has trained more than 60,000 college students and community volunteers, preparing over 140,000 children for kindergarten success. Jumpstart’s program is replicated across the country in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Learn more at jstart.org.