Through Jumpstart Michigan, 8 quarter-time and 75 minimum-time AmeriCorps members serve young children through placements in Head Start and other early education settings.  The program helps children develop crucial early literacy, language and social skills.  Corps members, all of whom are Federal Work Study college students, are placed in teams of 1-20 per service site.  Goals of Jumpstart Michigan include: 1) enhancing the learning experiences of young children from low-income communities; 2) providing meaningful opportunities for parents to become involved in their child's learning; and 3) supporting the development of college students (who will serve as program members) as future teachers in the field of early childhood education.  Services provided with members, small group activities designed to encourage creativity, larger group learning activities designed to build a sense of community and foster sharing, and exercises and activities that provide youth with choices to promote independence, curiosity and self-esteem.

Counties Served:  Wayne, Washtenaw

Contact Information:  Karina Kelly, Program Director

550 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 200

Chicago, IL 60661

Phone: (312) 575-0641

Email:            karina.Kelly@jstart.org