Operation Shoestring

Operation Shoestring is in the business of empowerment. We believe that empowered children become empowered adults; empowered adults create empowered communities; and empowered communities rise. When we invest in the children and families of our central Jackson service community, all of Jackson rises. Through a PK – 11th grade continuum of academic, social and emotional support, we’re empowering our kids to reach their own best potential. Our quality afterschool and summer programs for PK-5th graders provide them with hands-on academic enrichment, access to the arts, healthy food, physical activity, and constant support and attention from caring instructors, mentors and tutors. We provide leadership and civic engagement training to middle and high school students district-wide, teaching them to identify, organize and create constructive responses to obstacles in their lives, schools and communities. By providing leadership and program support to the JPS Academies of Jackson, we help ensure that our high schoolers receive the best college- and career-readiness training possible through learning experiences that connect their strengths and passions with contemporary, viable career paths. From their first day in school to their graduation day, all of our programs are aimed at helping our kids find their own path to success, whatever that may be. It’s not enough to invest only in our children. To truly impact a child’s future you must invest in their schools, their families and their community as well. This is why we partner with people and organizations from across Jackson to bring needed services and support to our families, like health screenings, social services and more. We’re also widening and strengthening the reach of quality afterschool programs state-wide by leading the creation of Mississippi’s first afterschool network, in partnership with a growing coalition of stakeholders.