Skills & Experience

Mizzou PALS

Mizzou PALS tutor playing on floor with child

Mizzou PALS is an early childhood organization designed to support a bright future for children by sparking a love for learning.  Every child – no matter their background – deserves the opportunity for experiences that help set them on a path of lifelong learning. Mizzou PALS matches caring, trained college students with children in the community to enhance their language and literacy and social-emotional skills, preparing them for success as they enter kindergarten.

Jumpstart members choose to use their time to make a difference in the lives of others. Serving as role models, Jumpstart offers a wonderful chance to impact your community. As a career exploration experience for students pursuing any major, students build leadership, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and time management skills transferable to any career.

Students from all majors are encouraged to apply!

Mizzou PALS tutor playing with toys

Mizzou PALS partners with local early childhood centers to provide tutoring for children, and in some cases, no-cost quality afterschool care. Our Mizzou PALS tutors are proud to be a part a program committed to making a difference in the community. Bring the magic of wonder to every child… join Mizzou PALS!

Positions Available

Become a Tutor

Tutors are at the heart of Mizzou PALS. You will inspire young children to learn, serve your local community, and work as part of a team of your peers. All tutors receive professional-caliber training while developing professional skills in a fun environment! They also:

  • Earn an hourly wage through the Work-Study Program
  • Opt to additionally receive course credit toward graduation, and internship or a minor
  • Can earn an AmeriCorps Education Award. 
  • Approximately 10 hours per week

All majors are encouraged to apply!

Leadership Roles

Mizzou PALS also offers leadership roles including Team Coach and Associate. These positions require graduate student standing, or previous service as a Mizzou PALS tutor.

All leadership positions offer:

  • A work study wage
  • Potential of an assistantship with graduate standing
  • Opt to receive course or internship credit
  • Serve 15-20 hours per week

All majors are encouraged to apply!

Enroll your child

Mizzou PALS provides children with high-quality and developmental experiences and supportive interactions with well-trained adults. Children enrolled in Mizzou PALS gain language and literacy and social-emotional skills setting them up for success as they prepare to enter kindergarten. Children ages 3-5 years old are eligible to enroll. Questions? Please email dicksoncn@missouri.edu.

Mizzou-PALS-tutor-reading-book-to-two-preschoolers