The Junior League of Jackson’s Academic Growth Programs are designed to support and enhance educational opportunities for students across Jackson Public Schools. Through initiatives like the Brick by Brick Literacy Project, Brainiac Boot Camp, and Public School Mini-Grants, League volunteers work directly with children, educators, and schools to enhance academic growth, supporting educational success through resources, tutoring, and mentoring to improve academic performance and engagement – especially with literacy.

Programs with McLeod STEAM Studio and We Will Go Educational Arts Room Renovation help provide refreshed, engaging spaces for students in the Jackson area, and League volunteers will continue to enrich these community initiatives by working directly with children and facilitators to encourage academic curiosity and growth.

Whether by facilitating engaging reading circles, mentoring young readers, or funding innovative teaching projects, these programs reflect the League’s ongoing commitment to investing in the academic success and lifelong potential of Jackson’s youth.

Brainiac Boot Camp (Van Winkle Early Childhood Center)

Brainiac Bootcamp seeks to lay a strong foundation for future academic success by equipping children with the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to thrive in the early grades. League members will work with pre-kindergarten children, ages 4 to 5, to help provide the foundational academic and social-emotional skills necessary for success in their academic career.

Brick by Brick Literacy Project

Monthly volunteers will facilitate reading circles for children affiliated with Operation Shoestring. The reading circles will use the JPS reading list. Volunteers will provide and serve dinner, and engage the children in activities focused on building literacy skills.

Helping Hands (various community partners)

League volunteers will fill a variety of needs for current and new community partners throughout the year, including staffing events, supporting day-to-day operations, and providing extra support to our partners’ regular volunteers and staff. Projects include Backpack Buddies with Jackson Public Schools. 

McLeod STEAM Studio

The McLeod STEAM Studio will provide new spaces for students at McLeod Elementary School to engage in STEAM activities. The League will provide resources organized into dedicated, flexible-use STEAM centers that teachers can integrate into daily instruction. These resources will allow students to design bridges, code simple programs, explore sound through art, experiment with chemical reactions, and much more. To increase family involvement, the League will host monthly STEAM Studio open houses in these redesigned spaces.

Public School Mini Grants (Jackson Public Schools/Community Foundation for Mississippi)

Volunteers review and evaluate classroom grant proposals and award grants to JPS teachers to enhance, enrich, and support the JPS educational curriculum. Volunteers also host a reception for selected teachers and principals and visit schools to evaluate the use of grant funds.

We Will Go Educational Arts Room Remodel

For this project, League volunteers will assist with painting, organizing, and decorating the Educational Art space to make it bright, welcoming, and child-friendly. Volunteers will work closely with We Will Go leaders to ensure that the children served at the space encounter a safe, inspiring place to learn and grow.