EIU’s Jumpstart Program a model of success for University, local community
Sep-09-2024
(Charleston, IL) — Eastern Illinois University’s ‘Jumpstart’ Service Day continues to impact campus and the regional community in a positive way.
“EIU’s Jumpstart program provides an onramp for connecting incoming new students with the local community through service to various Coles County community organizations and resources,” said EIU Dean of Students Jody Stone. “We’re excited to see the program continue to bloom and create such a positive experience for our students and our community.”
The program began in 2008 when EIU’s Volunteer Office was created. Sixteen years later, the program boasts 483 new students assisting 14 community partners all taking part of EIU’s annual Welcome Weekend activities in Fall 2024. This year’s partners included Aikman Wildlife Center, Hazel Anne Farm, Camp New Hope, Fit-2-Serve Community Garden, Standing Stone, and One Stop Community Christmas, among others. Leaders from EIU and its community partners work together to coordinate activities at each location.
EIU student participants enjoyed this experience, with event feedback indicating students had fun connecting with other students and the [community] residents: “…I met some new people and I felt like I was making an impact…,” “…it was fun to do and it was for a good cause…,” and “…it felt fulfilling to help out others” was just some of the specific feedback collected from students following the service day August 17.
EIU and Jumpstart Service Day program leaders take pride in the relationships the University builds with its students and community. Such efforts align with EIU’s mission to foster opportunities for applied learning experiences that create responsible citizens and leaders.
“Studies show that when students are invested in their own education through engaging with their classmates and integrating into the community, their retention and success rates skyrocket,” said Crystal Brown, Associate Director of Leadership and Engagement at EIU. “Equally important, ‘Jumpstart’ continues to be a really fun program for our students, and for EIU is another great event to open the new academic year and prepare our new class of EIU Panthers to immerse themselves in the EIU experience.”
EIU’s Office of Leadership and Engagement is committed to ensuring that all EIU students understand they have the power and ability to change their world and their communities for the better through volunteering. More information about their services is available at eiu.edu/volunteer.
EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.
