SHOWCASING
SOUTHERN
Southern students are working with local preschool children from low-income neighborhoods in an effort to bolster their literacy, language and socio-emotional skills. Thirty-five students are currently completing 300 hours of service in New Haven, serving about 85 children in five classrooms in two different preschool locations. The university is only the second in Connecticut to join Jumpstart — a national program funded by AmeriCorps that seeks to close the achievement gap by connecting college students with classes of preschoolers. The Southern students offer instruction to the children for two hours per day, twice a week, as part of a supplemental program to the preschools’ existing curricula.
READY, SET, JUMP! “This truly is a wonderful opportunity, both for the preschool children and our own students,” said Adam Goldberg, a Southern associate professor of education who is serving as a liaison to the Jumpstart program. “Studies have shown that the kids who participate in this program show significant gains in their literacy and language skills, and that it also helps with their social skills.” LEFT: Southern’s role in the national Jumpstart program not only provides support for local preschoolers but gives participating Southern students valuable handson experience.
Southern students — generally those in the teacher-training programs — also benefit in several ways, Goldberg said. “They gain valuable, hands-on experience in working with young children; a significant accomplishment to put on their resume, and even a financial reward,” he said. Jumpstart is working with 12 universities in the tri-state area, serving more than 1,400 children. College students work more than 300 hours per year in the program, and after completing those hours, they receive an award of $1,175 to use toward tuition, books or loans.
2012 REPORT OF T H E P R ES IDENT S OUT H ER N CONNECT ICUT S TAT E UNIVER S IT Y PA G E 47