Jumpstart

Jumpstart East Palo Alto pairs Stanford students with preschool children in East Palo Alto childcare centers to deliver an innovative early learning program to the young children. Jumpstart provides a high-quality, comprehensive program that focuses on the development of the child, his or her family, and the university student serving with this national organization as an AmeriCorps member. Through these program areas—school success, family involvement, and future teachers—Jumpstart works to create an environment of lifelong learning for under-resourced children.

The Jumpstart East Palo Alto Program is made up of highly trained, motivated, and passionate university students who are paired with preschool children in caring and supportive one-to-one relationships. After satisfying coursework requirements as outlined by the School of Education, which focus on early childhood education and offer the training, support, reflection, and context necessary for success in the preschool, Stanford students mentor 3 to 5 year-old children in preschool classes at the Ravenswood Child Development Center in East Palo Alto. Students read stories, sing songs, and play games that support young children's school readiness.

For more information, please contact Elizabeth Figueredo.