More than 100 students traded studying and review guides for finger painting and bubbles during a community service event on the Mount Vernon Campus Friday that brought pre-school aged students to GW.
The University hosted 150 children from local schools on the Vern during the Jumpstart for a Day event, the final University-sponsored event for Michelle Obama’s service challenge which officially ended May 1. The University community officially completed the challenge in early April.
“This is the climax of the service challenge,” University President Steven Knapp said, who was mingling with children and volunteers at the program. “It’s great—I hope these students think back and remember us when choosing colleges one day.”
The event was organized by the Jumpstart program and drew volunteers from 16 different groups on campus, including fraternities, sororities and student organizations, according to Jumpstart Volunteer Coordinator and senior Jennifer Santos.
“The kids are having fun and that’s all that matters,” Santos said. “It’s going really smoothly.”
Toya Fisher, who was watching her daughter play with GW students, said she was glad to see her child having fun.
“I love Jumpstart and it’s a wonderful experience for the kids,” Fisher said. “My daughter has been looking forward to this.”
While this was the last University event for the service challenge, Knapp said GW students will continue to volunteer despite the challenge deadline.
“We’re not going to slow down in terms of actual service,” Knapp said. “We will continue to perform service leading up to commencement.”