Scholars at CDF Freedom Schools® are hard at work expanding their reading skills, and they’re also learning how to unlock their full potential. By the end of the summer, scholars from kindergarten through 12th grade will learn how they can make a difference in themselves, their communities, the country, and the world.
Click here to view more videos showing how CDF Freedom Schools across the country are embracing our special recipe for making a difference: hope, education, and action.
Students at CDF Freedom Schools.
“My son loved Ms. Keshia as a teacher. He loved Harambee [the affirming morning welcome celebration] and asked very thoughtful questions to me about being a Black man in the United States. He is culturally proud, intellectually stimulated, and emotionally sound because of this program.”
—Parent, Washington South Shore Building Leaders of Change, CDF Freedom Schools site
David at CDF Freedom Schools training, June 2019.
“Outside the CDF Freedom Schools classroom, you don’t know what is going on in your scholars’ lives. But once they enter your caring environment, all of that goes away. Once they’re in that classroom, it’s a family.”
—David Williams, CDF Freedom Schools scholar, Student Leader Intern and trainer
Students at CDF Freedom Schools.
“One ultimate goal [of CDF Freedom Schools] is for kids to actually be excited about learning and see themselves in what they learn and see the power and potential that reading has in their lives.”
—Dr. Lakia M. Scott, Executive Director, Indian Spring Middle School, CDF Freedom Schools site, Waco, TX, and Assistant Professor, Baylor University School of Education
Helping Children in Need This Summer
Thousands of children, college students and community partners will have an unforgettable experience this summer when they participate in CDF Freedom Schools. Across the country, CDF Freedom Schools will inspire, engage and ignite ‘scholars’ to learn and dream in a safe place, valued and supported by caring adults, at no cost to their families.
In community centers and churches, on college campuses and in juvenile detention facilities, scholars significantly improve their reading skills and are empowered with the belief that they are capable of making a difference in their own lives, in their communities and beyond.
Explore the Books Scholars are Reading
CDF Freedom Schools scholars read high-quality, culturally relevant fiction, non-fiction, and reference books. Each child takes home at least one brand new book each week. Check out the books our scholars are reading.
Support the Road to Freedom:
Unlock children’s unlimited potential
$5 / month will provide a home library of high-quality, culturally relevant books for one CDF Freedom Schools scholar
$12 / month will provide 6 weeks of nutritious meals for one CDF Freedom Schools scholar
$18 / month will send a child to CDF Freedom Schools for one week