The Jackson Medical Mall Foundation discovered that students living in the 39213 area code are in need of help with overall development and educational assistance. As a result, The Young Futurist Project was born in January 2020. The program kicked off with its inaugural Virtual Summer Camp experience that focused on the S.T.E.A.M. approach to education. The After-School Virtual Program starts this month, and any parents who are looking for tutoring services, homework assistance, and leadership development for their students are encouraged to apply. Although it was initially for students living in the 39213 area code, free registration is now available for all Jackson Public Schools students. 

Program Director Jessica Lewis is dedicated to creating a program that will offer comprehensive services and courses via virtual learning. “During the afternoon, students will have the opportunity to participate in tutoring or homework assistance, coding, dance, robotics, virtual reality, counseling, drug and violence prevention, quilting/crafts, and a new course named ‘making proud choices’ pregnancy prevention program”, she said. 

Initially, the program was catering to grades 8-12; however, the pandemic has afforded the JMMF the opportunity to serve students in grades 3-12. “This is an opportunity to reach more students, so we are very excited about that. Still, the safety and protection of our staff and students is always our top priority, so we will be virtual until December 2020”, says Lewis. YFP follows the JPS school calendar, and the JMMF will determine if its safe to reopen next semester. 

The program is Monday thru Thursday from 3 to 6:30 pm and will utilize Zoom and Google Classroom to facilitate interaction and courses. If you and interested in this program for your student(s), visit the Jackson Medical Mall’s website to learn more and register.