Rhodes College senior Jasmine Jeffries was among 65 of the country’s youth leaders participating in the Allstate Foundation National Youth Service Summit recently held in Chicago. She was chosen from a highly competitive pool of more than 500 applicants who are already leading groundbreaking community impact initiatives.
The summit was designed to offer participants a unique space to connect, learn, and collaborate with peers and mentors.
“By investing in these remarkable young people, we are directly fueling their growth and redefining youth service for a new generation,” said Greg Weatherford II, director of the Allstate Foundation and Social Impact, in a news release. “The connections and skills they built here will empower them to make a difference in their communities for years to come.”
“I am thrilled to bring my experiences from the summit onto the Rhodes campus and into the city of Memphis to continue facilitating our momentous service initiatives,” said Jeffries.
Jeffries, who is from Memphis and is pursuing a major in art and art history and a minor in educational studies, came to Rhodes as a Clarence Day Scholar dedicated to community service.
“As a Clarence Day Scholar at Rhodes, I am working with the Like You Film Club as the festival programming and operations coordinator for Memphis’ inaugural Children’s Film Festival,” said Jeffries. “In this role, I am able to evaluate films, build relationships with community partners, and develop a schedule of programs that promote education and wellness for children and families. My work will culminate in a research initiative that will explore the importance of educational media in urban spaces using Memphis and the Like You Children's Film Festival as the primary case study. I am thrilled to bring resources and opportunities for artists, educators, and families alike in Memphis.”
Jeffries is not only passionate about art but also deeply committed to educational access and curriculum reform. She has worked as a teacher’s assistant for English as a Second Language in local schools and has interned in the education departments of area theaters and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
On campus, Jeffries serves as the Rhodes Activities Board creativity committee chair.