Flanked by Henry Simmons of NYPD Blue, Elisha Cuthbert of 24 and Vanessa Lengies and Brittany Snow of American Dreams, Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles Barbara Sandoval presented the "2003 AE Spirit of Service Award" to freshman Bruce Lowell and graduate student Nicole Vessell.

Sandoval said the two students have, in their roles as Jumpstart Northridge Corps members, "exceeded the call of duty by surpassing the yearlong service commitment and demonstrated extraordinary leadership and unwavering professional integrity."

Jumpstart is a national nonprofit organization that urges college students to work with young children in an effort to prepare them for success in school. As the first-ever recipients of this award, the CSUN students were chosen from 120 corps members in the Los Angeles County area for their outstanding work.

For the past year, 40 CSUN work-study students have spent more than 300 hours each in one of four local childcare sites in the San Fernando Valley serving high-risk populations of preschoolers.

"This has been an amazing first year for both our students and the kids they are serving," said Maureen Rubin, director of CSUN's Center for Community-Service Learning, which linked the students in two experimental child development classes with Jumpstart and the childcare sites. "Jumpstart students are changing lives and planting very strong roots for future school success."

Senta Greene, who teaches the classes, said Lowell, who is undeclared, has "carved the pathway for the legacy of male involvement at Jumpstart Northridge" and has been recognized as one of the most sincere and dedicated corps members of the program.

Greene said Vessell, who is pursuing a master's degree in early childhood education, has displayed extraordinary leadership and dedication to Jumpstart by unselfishly giving her time, knowledge and expertise to the children and families served by the program.

"Nicole is an inspiration and unyielding support system for Jumpstart Northridge, and her peers are constantly in awe of her dedication, passion and human generosity," Greene said.

Northridge received an initial grant of $25,000 from Jumpstart to start this new program. Jumpstart focuses on building school success for young people by developing their early language, literacy and social skills; encouraging strong family involvement to help families support children's learning; and training college students to be future students and leaders in early childhood education.

Jumpstart's national sponsors are American Eagle Outfitters, AmeriCorps, Pearson and Starbucks.

Launched in 1998, CSUN's Center for Community-Service Learning aims to inspire, encourage and support students and faculty in their pursuit of academic excellence through involvement in meaningful community service.

California State University, Northridge has more than 31,500 full- and part-time students and offers 59 bachelor's and 41 master's degrees as well as 28 education credential programs. Founded in 1958, it is the only four-year university in the San Fernando Valley and the fourth largest in the 23-campus CSU system. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges recently said CSUN "stands as a model to other public urban institutions of higher education." (NORTHRIDGE, Calif., April 4, 2003) ‹ While some of Hollywood's hottest new stars looked on, two Cal State Northridge students Thursday were awarded the American Eagle (AE) Outfitters community service award at the opening of the retailer's flagship store in Santa Monica. Flanked by Henry Simmons of NYPD Blue, Elisha Cuthbert of 24 and Vanessa Lengies and Brittany Snow of American Dreams, Deputy Mayor of Los Angeles Barbara Sandoval presented the "2003 AE Spirit of Service Award" to freshman Bruce Lowell and graduate student Nicole Vessell. Sandoval said the two students have, in their roles as Jumpstart Northridge Corps members, "exceeded the call of duty by surpassing the yearlong service commitment and demonstrated extraordinary leadership and unwavering professional integrity." Jumpstart is a national nonprofit organization that urges college students to work with young children in an effort to prepare them for success in school. As the first-ever recipients of this award, the CSUN students were chosen from 120 corps members in the Los Angeles County area for their outstanding work. For the past year, 40 CSUN work-study students have spent more than 300 hours each in one of four local childcare sites in the San Fernando Valley serving high-risk populations of preschoolers. "This has been an amazing first year for both our students and the kids they are serving," said Maureen Rubin, director of CSUN's Center for Community-Service Learning, which linked the students in two experimental child development classes with Jumpstart and the childcare sites. "Jumpstart students are changing lives and planting very strong roots for future school success." Senta Greene, who teaches the classes, said Lowell, who is undeclared, has "carved the pathway for the legacy of male involvement at Jumpstart Northridge" and has been recognized as one of the most (more) Community Service Award 2-2-2-2 sincere and dedicated corps members of the program. Greene said Vessell, who is pursuing a master's degree in early childhood education, has displayed extraordinary leadership and dedication to Jumpstart by unselfishly giving her time, knowledge and expertise to the children and families served by the program. "Nicole is an inspiration and unyielding support system for Jumpstart Northridge, and her peers are constantly in awe of her dedication, passion and human generosity," Greene said. Northridge received an initial grant of $25,000 from Jumpstart to start this new program. Jumpstart focuses on building school success for young people by developing their early language, literacy and social skills; encouraging strong family involvement to help families support children's learning; and training college students to be future students and leaders in early childhood education. Jumpstart's national sponsors are American Eagle Outfitters, AmeriCorps, Pearson and Starbucks. Launched in 1998, CSUN's Center for Community-Service Learning aims to inspire, encourage and support students and faculty in their pursuit of academic excellence through involvement in meaningful community service. California State University, Northridge has more than 31,500 full- and part-time students and offers 59 bachelor's and 41 master's degrees as well as 28 education credential programs. Founded in 1958, it is the only four-year university in the San Fernando Valley and the fourth largest in the 23-campus CSU system. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges recently said CSUN "stands as a model to other public urban institutions of higher education." ###