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Clearinghouse for Volunteers
Getting a Jumpstart
Corrine Hawes
Issue date: 3/5/09 Section: Editorial/Opinion
03/05/09 - If you don't know quite where to start, yet you know you want to get involved, consider spending some of your time as an AmeriCorps member with Jumpstart URI. AmeriCorps is a national program that allows people to commit to a year of full-time or part-time community service in a variety of ways. In return for the service commitment, AmeriCorps members are offered scholarship funds that can be used to pay off student loans or continue your education, making AmeriCorps a win-win situation for all involved. Jumpstart URI is an AmeriCorps program that recruits college students to mentor 3-5 year old children who need strong role models to help prepare them for kindergarten. Children from low-income families enter school at a disadvantage. On average low-income children have far fewer literacy and language experiences at home than their classmates (Reading Literacy in the United States, 1996. US Department of Education). If you want to be a part of the solution, you're in luck, because JUMPSTART URI IS NOW HIRING! Read stories, sing songs and play games that support young children's school readiness, and earn a work-study wage or college credit and an AmeriCorps education award in the process. Jumpstart URI AmeriCorps members work as a team for 10-12 hours a week in local early childhood and Head Start centers, paired one-on-one with a partner child. As part of the program, you also enroll in the Jumpstart class, CSV 302. No prior experience is required, it is open to any majors who have elective credit available, and there are placements all over Rhode Island. You must simply be able to participate for the entire year, both Fall and Spring semesters. This may seem like a big commitment, but students have repeatedly said they enjoyed getting involved in the community and some even changed majors because of their experience working with kids. And if that's not enough, as a student enrolled in this program you will receive: 6 credits for CSV 302 (3 credits per semester), and a $1000 AmeriCorps Education Award, and 3 credits for HDF 297 or work study.
Gain valuable skills and experience while making a difference in the life of a child. You can apply online at www.jstart.org, or for more information visit www.uri.edu/volunter/jumpstart, contact the Jumpstart office in room 133 of Roosevelt Hall, or email jstartpv@etal.uri.edu.
For this or other volunteer opportunities, contact the Clearinghouse for Volunteers for more informationYou can also stop by our office in 125 Roosevelt Hall, call us at 874.2568, or email corrine.hawes@gmail.com.
Gain valuable skills and experience while making a difference in the life of a child. You can apply online at www.jstart.org, or for more information visit www.uri.edu/volunter/jumpstart, contact the Jumpstart office in room 133 of Roosevelt Hall, or email jstartpv@etal.uri.edu.
For this or other volunteer opportunities, contact the Clearinghouse for Volunteers for more informationYou can also stop by our office in 125 Roosevelt Hall, call us at 874.2568, or email corrine.hawes@gmail.com.
