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AmeriCorps Jumpstart Arkansas
Jumpstart Arkansas is an EngageAR AmeriCorps national service program that helps prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to succeed and is recruiting college students to serve in under-resourced and under-served preschool classrooms. Members serve children ages three to five years old to help build their language, literacy and social-emotional skills.
Ready to apply?
- Email your spring class and work schedule to jumpstart@nwacc.edu to determine if service is right for you.
- You may also visit my.jstart.org/apply if you know you are available to serve 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and
Fridays in the spring semester.
About AmeriCorps Jumpstart Arkansas
Time commitment
Jumpstart members commit to serve 15-20 hours per week with the program for a total of 300 hours, which are earned through several different methods.
Members serve with a team of four to six peers to conduct Jumpstart sessions within preschool classrooms. Sessions occur in the morning twice per week.
Each session consists of a greeting, a small group time to read the story of the week, center time (activities such as art, dramatic play, puzzles, reading, and writing), and a closing. After each session, members participate in a one-hour team planning meeting on the college campus. They also participate in individual service time to assist the classroom teacher.
All members receive up to 60 hours of training offered through a combination of online and in-person trainings. Potential members are encouraged to schedule classes to allow for service from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Preschool children are typically awake and active in the morning, which is Jumpstart's most valuable time in the classroom.
Benefits of Serving with Jumpstart
Jumpstart is not a job, but is instead recognized as national service; therefore, members do not earn an hourly wage but do receive a living allowance to help with additional expenses they may incur due to service, such as fuel and food costs. All members will receive a $225 monthly living allowance, from January -May, while in service to assist with basic needs.
Those who successfully complete their 300-hour service commitment by the end of their term (school year) receive a $1,374 educational award (scholarship) to use toward college tuition in the future. Members gain valuable classroom and national service experience to enhance their resumes.
Eligibility
Members must be at least 17 years old, either have or are working toward their high school diploma, and must be a US citizen, national or lawful permanent resident alien. Accommodations are available upon request.
You do not need to be an education major to become a member. Members who majored in business, criminal justice, nursing, dental hygiene, graphics design, social work, psychology and education have joined.
Partnership
This program is made possible by an EngageArkansas AmeriCorps subgrant under Grant Number 21AFGAR001 and a partnership with the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.
