Impact of the JumpStart Service—Learning Experience on Leadership Skills Among University Student Ameri-Corp Volunteers

This study aimed to explore the motivation for university students to become JumpStart AmeriCorps members (volunteers) and to examine the relationship between volunteers’ participation in the program and their leadership skills development. A total of 46 participants were surveyed to identify their two main reasons for becoming a JumpStart AmeriCorps volunteer. The results showed that most of the participants were motivated by the opportunity to gain field experience with children and to fulfill their passion of working with children. Furthermore, the program was found to provide a valuable platform for college students to engage in community service and volunteerism and to develop leadership skills in early childhood education. These findings highlight the importance of providing practical opportunities for college students to gain experience in the field and to contribute to their communities.