Studies show that access to high-quality learning programs can increase kindergarten readiness – and have long-lasting, positive effects throughout a child’s life. Northern Essex Community College students are helping connect local children to those opportunities through the Jumpstart program.

Jumpstart was founded more than 20 years ago and, in that time, has trained more than 58,000 college students and community volunteers to transform the lives of over 133,000 preschool children nationwide. Student workers are trained on Jumpstart’s curriculum and then visit local classrooms to meet with small groups of students. They read books, sing songs, and play games that support young children’s language and literacy development.

An interactive Jumpstart lesson

Ann Kauffman is the Jumpstart Site Manager for Northern Essex and Middlesex Community Colleges. Students from the colleges visit the Lawrence YMCA, Lowell YMCA, and Lowell Sprouts twice a week.

“It’s a real benefit to those programs because it provides more adults in the classrooms and we’re bringing high-quality programming to traditionally underserved communities,” says Kauffman. “All curriculum is anti-racist and multi-cultural. We ensure books and materials represent the students we’re serving.”

The college students receive 40 hours of training before they enter classrooms and additional training throughout the program. They also must be at least 18 years old, and they must pass a background check. Student workers can either get paid through work-study or a stipend provided by Jumpstart. The program is open to students of any major, though some experience working with children is helpful.

“If you can handle preschoolers for 2 hours- you can do anything! Those are great managerial skills down the road,” shares Kauffman.

Human Services major Yuliana Capellan of Lawrence participated in the Jumpstart program last year. She says the flexible schedule allowed her to pursue a passion for helping others, while still having time to focus on her school work.

“I had the opportunity to surround myself with a group of people who shared the enthusiasm to help and be collaborators with the children of the YMCA. It allowed me to realize how interesting and wonderful it is to be part of the growth of the future of our country. I feel that through Jumpstart I not only grew as a professional but also as a person,’ she recalls.

Between NECC and MCC, the local Jumpstart program employs about 30 students each academic year. An application can be found here. Students with questions or who wish to learn more about the program should email Kauffman at akauffman@necc.mass.edu.