Hawkins-Jones Named One of 16 Afterschool Ambassadors in U.S.

Mon, 02/23/2026 - 09:55am

The Afterschool Alliance has selected Dr. Jo Hawkins-Jones, associate teaching professor at The University of Southern Mississippi School of Education and program director of the Going Beyond Apprenticeship 21^st CCLC Program, to serve as a 2026 Afterschool Ambassador — one of just 16 leaders in the nation chosen for the honor this year.

The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization that works to ensure all children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs. Afterschool Ambassadors continue working with their local programs while serving a one-year term, during which they engage with policymakers and community leaders to organize events and grow support for afterschool and summer learning programs that students and families rely on. This year’s ambassadors hail from Alaska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and more with a shared goal of promoting these programs for young people.

“The country urgently needs strong afterschool advocates, so we are thrilled that Jo Hawkins-Jones will serve as an Afterschool Ambassador this year. She will help spread the word that too many children and youth are without the afterschool programs that help them succeed in school and in life,” said Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance. “This is a pivotal year when we must continue building support for these essential programs, which keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and give parents peace of mind that their children are safe and supervised after the school day ends. Hawkins-Jones is exactly the kind of champion we need.”

Research shows children who participate in afterschool programs experience improvements in grades, school attendance and behavior. Studies also indicate students in afterschool programs are more engaged in school, more excited about learning and develop critical work and life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and communication.

“I am honored to partner with the Afterschool Alliance this year, championing the power of afterschool and summer learning programs to expand opportunity, ignite potential and ensure every child has the support they need to thrive,” said Hawkins-Jones. “I’ve seen up close the many ways these programs help students succeed and aid families in overcoming challenges. That’s especially important now, as many families struggle with the rising cost of living and too many students are disengaged. Afterschool and summer programs are uniquely positioned to help students connect with peers and caring mentors, explore their interests, and discover their passions. I am proud to be part of the afterschool movement and serve as a 2026 Afterschool Ambassador.”

The Going Beyond 21st CCLC Apprenticeship Program that Hawkins-Jones leads in Hattiesburg serves approximately 40 high school students each year at Hattiesburg High School through four specialized apprenticeship-based pathways: early childhood education, advanced manufacturing, cosmetology/esthetician and polymer science. With strong community and industry partnerships, the program provides structured afterschool and summer programming focused on career readiness, workforce development and academic support. Apprentices receive individualized mentoring, scholarship assistance, ACT preparation, financial literacy training and professional skills development, including communication, teamwork and workplace ethics.