We are immersing our young leaders in the power of our legacy and culture, all while tackling summer reading loss. That's why we GET HYPE about FREEDOM SCHOOL!!!
Freedom School is a “wrap-around” full day summer program for youth designed to help stop “summer learning loss” by immersing youth in reading, the arts and social action. We provide quality out-of-school time enrichment for children and youth that boosts motivation to read, develops positive attitudes toward learning, cultivates self-esteem, and encourages parental involvement by providing families with a variety of programs and resources that will allow parents to play a more active and effective role in their children’s education.
Concord’s Freedom School has operated for five consecutive summers and has served to educate nearly 1,000 African-American youth throughout Central Brooklyn.
FREEDOM SCHOOLS ARE SAFE AND RESTORATIVE LEARNING SPACES WHERE:
1. Children are surrounded by caring adults and college age young adults from their community who share their enthusiasm for learning and reading, and commit to serving them as authentic mentors
2. Children read high quality books and are engaged in learning activities that are appropriate to their developmental needs and interests
each day begins with "Harambee!," a 30-minute activity to celebrate and affirm the value of each participant and prepare for work and learning ahead
3. Children receive nutritious meals and healthy snacks each day
4. Parents are engaged as volunteers and participate in a learning community of their peers.
5. Children are encouraged and supported to dream, set goals for themselves, and cultivate positive attitudes and high expectations;
young people whose lives have been interrupted and impacted by crises receive consistent, daily service to better understand themselves, their situations, each other, and their potential
6. Families have access to free and high quality care
