Harris, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in pre-physical therapy, specializing in children, joined the Jumpstart Corps as a freshman in 2007.

She has worked extensively with Fresno preschoolers to develop crucial early-learning skills, mentored fellow corps members and organized several service days and fundraisers, generating both awareness and resources for Jumpstart in Fresno.

Ledezma, in her fourth year as a Jumpstart Corps member, has completed more than 1,100 hours of service. She is a liberal studies major who plans to be a teacher.

“I have learned that there are many things we can do to help those in need in our community and make our community a better environment to live in,” Ledezma said. “Not only did Jumpstart help me make an impact, it helped me decide that teaching is what I want to do.”

Jumpstart, a national nonprofit organization, works with 10,000 preschool children throughout the U.S. by pairing them with adults in one-to-one tutoring relationships to improve literacy, language and social skills. In Fresno, Jumpstart trains and supports 75 Fresno State students and 30 Fresno City College students who serve over 340 at-risk preschool children in 17 classrooms.

For more information, contact Jumpstart director Neil Dion at 559.278.8846 or ndion@csufresno.edu.