Rocket Kids Take on the World
The University of Toledo launched Rocket Kids in February 2023. The program recruits and trains current students and recent graduates from across the country to provide quality child development and care at military bases across the globe.
Housed in the Judith Herb College of Education (JHCOE), Rocket Kids is supported by a $11.5 million, five-year grant through the Department of Army Installation Management Command-Europe NAF. The Program is a transformational learning experience, where students gain practical knowledge for programming and leadership covering topics like health and wellness, creative and performing arts, literacy, outdoor recreation and STEM among others. Interns receive more than 45 hours of training and certifications before they can be placed for travel overseas.
During its inaugural year, 26 students participated leading educational and recreational programming on three bases in Germany and one each in Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands. In December 2023 Rocket Kids established two additional training sites, Indiana State University and San Diego State University, and an online program, training more than 50 new participants between them. These additional access points increased interest and participation. More than 75 students were divided across nine bases in Germany, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands in 2024.
Learn more about where our Rocket Kids program participants have traveled.
“College students are taking notice of this unique opportunity to serve children while exploring the world,” said Dr. Sammy Spann ’09, creator of Rocket Kids and vice president of student affairs at The University of Toledo. “It was incredibly exciting to see more than three times as many interns this past summer, and we’re even more excited to continue that momentum going forward with new training opportunities.”
UToledo advocate and supporter, Judith Herb ’61, ’64, had the unique opportunity to partner with Rocket Kids and witness the impact first-hand. She shared, “I am currently overjoyed that this program is underway based in the JHCOE at The University of Toledo. Dr. Spann is the perfect person, with the history, to lead this program for our students that participate and those that represent other Universities and Colleges. Across the nation, I have witnessed many students that said what a life-changing experience this program was.”
Dr. Rebecca Schneider, acting dean for the Judith Herb College of Education, also witnessed the impact of this program. “Visiting the sites in person makes a world of difference in understanding the program and what our Rocket Kids get to experience. I was really impressed by the support provided by the military staff. The students seem to really value this opportunity with several making plans to return next year,” she said.
It is clear, these experiences are not only providing children of military families with support but expanding experiential learning and development for our UToledo students and other university participants through education and volunteerism. This program fosters community and expands their awareness, creating well-rounded, global citizens who are impacting future generations.
What Our Students are Saying About Their Rocket Kids Experience:
Kenyata Stevenson ’24 was among the first cohort of interns to travel to Brussels, Belgium.
“I was not ready for how Rocket Kids would evolve my life and grow my love for working with kids. I had one of the best Summers of my life working with the teenagers in Brussels, Belgium. This group has given me so many opportunities to be great and spread love to others and I cannot wait to continue doing so while watching this program grow.”
Hannah Post has participated in Rocket Kids several times, most recently serving in Stuttgart, Germany.
“Rocket Kids has single handedly changed my life. This spans from academic knowledge, educational experience, to cultural awareness. This program has challenged me as a future educator and as an individual in ways that I never knew were possible.”
“Rocket Kids is a program that allows ample amounts of growth, development and discovery. I was able to learn new ways to connect with children and support them through their specific needs, while also learning the same aspects of relationship development with my peers! Through this program I have been able to learn and see so many new things about the world and about myself that I will hold onto for a lifetime!’
