NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University Early Childhood Education majors Taylor Poole of Pollock and Kaycie Helton of Leesville made significant donations of books and school supplies for the Cradle to College Early Childhood Service-Learning project. Coupled with funds from the International Paper Foundation, the resources were used to make family literacy bags that were donated to Natchitoches families.
“The service-learning project means a lot to me because it gives me the opportunity to make a difference in young children’s lives while applying what I’ve learned in my education classes,” Poole said in reflecting on the experiential learning experience. “It’s important for children to develop a strong foundation in early literacy because it supports their future learning and overall development. Giving back to my community through this project makes me feel proud, knowing that I can have a positive impact on a child’s growth and love for learning.”
“The ECED service-learning project has been a meaningful opportunity to connect my passion for teaching with the needs of my community,” Helton added. “Through this work, I’ve deepened my understanding of how critical early literacy is in shaping children’s confidence, curiosity and long-term success. Being able to give back by supporting young learners and their families fills me with gratitude and purpose. It reminds me that even small acts of service can create lasting impact and strengthen the bonds within our community.”
The Cradle to College initiative is an on-going project in which NSU students and faculty collect supplies and purchase materials to make family literacy bags for preschool and kindergarten students in Natchitoches Parish. The project is intended to provide extra support to children who live below the poverty line to help close learning gaps at school.
The IP Foundation has previously supported NSU’s College of Education and Human Development through grants that provide resources and support to students and faculty. For information on supporting Cradle to College, contact the project coordinator, Dr. Michelle Brunson, at faziom@nsula.edu.