Jumpstart Learning Program

On October 20th, 2003, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano introduced a new learning program to the state. The Jumpstart program partners qualified college students and at-risk youngsters, providing the college students with class credit and a $1,000 stipend to help pre-schoolers get a "jumpstart" on their education.

A national study shows that nearly half of all at-risk youngsters are academically well behind their counterparts from higher-income families. The county executive invited administrators from leading Michigan colleges and universities to partner with the Boston-based Jumpstart program. The county executive has taken the role of facilitator to bring the program to Michigan. Jumpstart has shown to be successful in nearly 20 other states.

Jumpstart's mission is simple yet significant: to engage young people in service to work toward the day every child in America enters school prepared to succeed. Founded in 1993 at Yale University, Jumpstart has grown into a national movement that invests in building school success for young children; inspires college students to become future teachers and leaders in education; and involves families in their child's learning experiences. Through these three program areas — school success, family involvement and future teachers — Jumpstart works to create an environment of life-long learning for children.

During the 2003-2004 program year, Jumpstart is reaching 6,000 children through the dedicated service of 1,600 Jumpstart Corps members. Through intensive one-to-one adult-child interaction, Jumpstart will help these children build language and literacy, social, and initiative skills - skills that provide the necessary groundwork for later academic and social success. By investing early, Jumpstart is solving America's education crisis.

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