Believe in social justice and early education for young children?  Help close the achievement gap before it starts.

Jumpstart Bronx at Fordham University

Jumpstart is a national early education organization that helps young children from low-income neighborhoods develop the language, literacy and social skills they need to be successful in school, setting them on a path to close the achievement gap.

Fordham Jumpstart volunteers join teams serving children ages 3-5 in Bronx public schools and early learning centers. This is an excellent opportunity for any student who wants a hands-on experience making a difference in the lives of young children!

Why serve with Jumpstart?

• Inspire children to develop a love of learning
• Work closely with your team of 5-7 Fordham students
• Help young children learn through play during carefully planned activities
  
• Receive comprehensive training
• Potential work-study or stipends for qualified students
• Team Leadership positions available
• Transform the lives of preschool children by teaching them language and literacy skills they need to succeed in school…and in life!

Program details:

• During reading time, you will get to know a small group of children as you read and discuss one new book each week
• During circle time, corps members and children participate in songs and games as a classroom community
• During center time, corps members support children to chose between Jumpstart activities such as reading, writing, art, science, puzzles, and dramatic play
• The Jumpstart commitment is for the full school year, approximately 7-8 hours per week. This includes classroom sessions, team planning meetings on campus, and individual planning time to review that week's storybook.
• Chartered Ram Van service to each Bronx preschool is provided.

Weekly team time slots*:

• Mondays and Thursdays 9:00am-11:00am
• Mondays and Wednesdays 2:00-4:00pm
• Mondays and Thursdays 2:00-4:00pm
• NEW TIME: Tuesdays and Fridays 3:00-5:00pm

*Schedules subject to change based on preschool partner needs. Team planning meetings typically occur directly after session or during Fordham's activity blocks.


Application Process
Admission to the Jumpstart program at Fordham University is rolling, and will continue until all slots are filled, but training begins on Oct 1, so apply as soon as possible. For the 2012-2013 school year, Jumpstart at Fordham University will accept 42 Fordham students onto six teams of seven. Experience working in a preschool is not necessary, as our professional training is comprehensive. Once you've submitted an application, please schedule an interview with the Jumpstart Fordham site manager. Team leadership, stipended, or work-study positions may be available. Feel free to reach out with questions (see contact information below). 




Course Credit for Service Learning
Students wishing to integrate their academic studies with their Jumpstart service are encouraged to do so!  Either before or after applying to Jumpstart, please stop by the Dorothy Day Center in McGinley 101 to pick up a copy of the service learning application and talk to a Dorothy Day staff member about service learning.


Questions? Contact :
Lauren Brodsky
Site Manager
Jumpstart Bronx at Fordham University
441 East Fordham Road
Administration Building Rm 220
Bronx, NY 10458
Phone: 718-817-2073
E-mail: lbrodsky1@fordham.edu


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