This year, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at Temple University celebrated the 20th anniversary of its partnership with Jumpstart, a national early childhood organization dedicated to ensuring every child enters kindergarten ready to succeed. The milestone was first celebrated at this year's annual Read for the Record event, where the university's community came together to inspire a love of reading among young learners in neighboring schools. 

Jumpstart is a national movement supporting preschool children in under-resourced communities to achieve academic success. Through its programs, Jumpstart trains college students to work directly with young children, helping them develop critical language, literacy and socio-emotional skills.  

"Jumpstart is working toward the day when every child in the U.S. enters kindergarten prepared to succeed," said Briana Sanders, CEHD's senior site manager for Jumpstart. "At Temple, our students don't just volunteer—they join a mission, contributing to the future of our city and our nation."  

Temple's Jumpstart program offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with the North Philadelphia community while gaining valuable professional and personal experiences. Participants are volunteers that work directly with preschoolers. Some are eligible for work-study support, while others may be considered for tuition assistance through the Educational Segal Award. The program also provides a chance to collaborate with peers from various majors, uniting students in a shared commitment to educational equity.  

On Oct. 24, 2024, Temple hosted its annual Read for the Record event as part of Jumpstart's national initiative. This year's book, Piper Chen Sings, inspired 208 children across six local schools, including William McKinley Elementary and St. Malachy Catholic School. Volunteers, including 16 Jumpstart Corps members and 29 faculty, staff and student participants, brought the story to life through engaging activities, encouraging children to express themselves and share their dreams.  

"Being part of the Jumpstart team is so much more than just reading a book," said Emily Garcia, CEHD's associate director of strategic initiatives and student engagement. "It's about fostering confidence, sparking joy in learning and building connections that last far beyond the classroom."  

Jumpstart's impact is twofold, benefiting both the preschool children it serves and the Temple students who participate. By working directly with children in under-resourced neighborhoods, students gain hands-on experience, build leadership skills and make a meaningful difference in the community.  

"Engaging directly with preschoolers allows our members to not only declare or confirm their career paths but also to deeply understand the neighborhoods they call home during their college careers," Sanders explained.  

For many Temple students, like Nevaeh Robinson, Jumpstart's community engagement coordinator, the program has been life-changing. "Education is key at all stages of life, and Jumpstart's mission highlights early education for young learners' future success," she said. "Creating and executing Jumpstart events for the North Philadelphia community strengthens my passion for service."  

Over its 20-year history at Temple, Jumpstart has prepared countless preschoolers for academic success while inspiring Temple students to become advocates for social change. The program's efforts align with Temple's mission to uplift and empower the North Philadelphia community through education and engagement.  

"Jumpstart has been a part of my personal and professional life since 2013, when I first began my service as a team leader," Garcia reflected. "As we celebrate 20 years of our program at Temple, I am filled with immense pride and joy to continue contributing to Jumpstart's impactful work."  

Join the Movement 

Jumpstart invites Temple students to join its mission and become part of the national effort to transform early childhood education. Participants not only make a difference in the lives of preschoolers but also gain valuable professional skills, build connections with peers, and take part in shaping a brighter future for all. 

Temple University and Jumpstart's 20-year partnership is a testament to the power of literacy, community and shared purpose. As the program looks to the future, its mission remains steadfast: to build a world where every child has the tools to succeed. 

Support Programs That Make a Difference 

To further Jumpstart's mission, the CEHD has launched "Stories for Every Child." Your contributions to this OwlCrowd campaign will help create a library filled with diverse books that benefit Jumpstart and similar programs, ensuring children see themselves in the stories they read. 

"By supporting 'Stories for Every Child,' the Temple community affirms CEHD's commitment to our work with Philadelphia youth," says Juliet Curci, CEHD's assistant dean of college access and persistence. "In turn, we are rejuvenated in our mission to ensure that every young person has access to excellent educational experiences, and for that we are immensely grateful."  

Inspire young readers today. Join the OwlCrowd initiative at giving.temple.edu/programlibrary.