For more than 30 years, Jumpstart has advanced educational equity by ensuring that every child, regardless of zip code or family income, enters kindergarten prepared to succeed. We know that disparities in early learning opportunities fuel long-term achievement gaps, which is why our research-based curriculum is designed to build oral language and literacy skills, the foundation of later reading, learning, and social-emotional development. By equipping children with these critical skills and surrounding them with high-quality early learning experiences, Jumpstart works to level the playing field and set children on a path to lifelong success. Our core programming also supports motivated young people, called Jumpstarters, who have received training and mentorship in early education topics and who dedicate their time and talent to implementing Jumpstart curriculum in classrooms where at least 75% of children live in poverty.

In our 2026 program year, we anticipate serving more than 4,000 preschool children. Since our founding in 1994, we have served over 209,000 children and trained more than 71,000 young adults and alumni who continue to influence early learning systems nationwide. By building essential early literacy skills, Jumpstart helps children thrive in kindergarten and beyond.