SU program ‘leaps’ for success on campus, community

Southern University’s campus program Jump Start has launched college students to another level of higher learning assisting elementary students with their academic studies.
Jump Start is a fully incorporated non-profit organization designed to enhance elementary students in comprehension and reading skills with the assistance of college students.
According to representatives of the program, it began on the account of two students from Yale University. Those students recognized the importance of understanding fundamental basics prior to entering the first grade and took the initiative of launching a program that will enhance elementary students thinking process and help prepare them academically.
“We don’t turn anybody away,” said Thaddeus Claiborne, SUBR Jump Start site manager. “It’s a great start for a better future.”
According to www.jstart.org, the official website for the program, 35 percent of American kindergarten children arrive at school unprepared to learn. The website also states that 50 percent of all children from low income families begin first grade up to two years behind their peers in preschool skills. It also says 5-year-olds from low-income communities have one-fourth the vocabulary of their mid-income peers.
“This program is guaranteed to help every child who (is) illiterate and underdeveloped with studies skills,” Claiborne said.
The program not only impacts the lives of the children it seeks to help, but the students workers also feel the program has impacted their lives as well.
“I didn’t even know what this program offered before I became involved,” said Jerric Henyard, a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Vacherie. “But I’m glad that I took part in it because I see the enjoyment the kids get out of the program and it makes me happy to see I’m giving back to the community.”
Joshua Butler, a sophomore civil engineering major from Charlottesville, Va., shares Henyard’s sentiments about the program.
“Although, I don’t have any children, I learn from the parents of these children in the program that lack in parenting,” Butler said. “Jumpstart helps me understand and appreciate the responsibilities of a father figure and learn to spend time with children.”
Claiborne welcomes all students whom are interested in becoming a participant of the nationally known organization.
“Jumpstart student workers come from all department including engineering, biology, mass communications and nursing,” Claiborne said.
Chanelle Smith, a sophomore criminal justice major from Los Angeles said, “Although being criminal major does not always focus on adolescents. I enjoy working with the children.”
“What I love most about the program is that we play the role of big brother, big sister,” she said. “Being apart of their life at a early age helps shape and mold them for the real world.”
According to Claiborne, Jumpstart has joined with other companies such as AmeriCorps, Pearson, American Eagle Outfitters and Starbucks to promote their mission of higher learning.
According to their website, Jumpstart children improved their skills by 26 percent from fall 2005 to spring 2006 resulting in a greater percentage than students who were not enrolled in the program.
Claiborne said the student workers have developed a passion for these children and the children adhere to there academic activities.
For more information about enrollment or volunteering please call (225) 771-3886.