CDF Freedom Schools® Program

The CDF Freedom Schools program provides summer and after-school enrichment that helps children fall in love with reading, increases their self-esteem, and generates more positive attitudes toward learning. Children are taught using a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; intergenerational leadership development; and nutrition, health and mental health.  

CDF-SRO Freedom Schools

In 2005, to help children displaced and traumatized by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, CDF-SRO offered referral services for displaced families. CDF-SRO also set up after-school Freedom Schools® programs in Mississippi, Arkansas and New Orleans, which were funded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. The Marguerite Casey Foundation and the Ms. Foundation For Women also provided financial support for these efforts, and organizations such as Riverside Church (New York, NY) and Feed The Children provided funds and other resources.

This past summer, CDF-SRO and other sponsors operated five Freedom Schools sites in the Mississippi Delta (Greenville, Hollandale, Indianola, Leland, and Shelby); one site in Jackson at Jackson State University’s Kids Kollege; two sites in Arkansas (Marianna and Elaine) and several sites in Miami-Dade County, Florida.

To learn more about CDF-SRO Freedom Schools, contact Kim Robinson at 601-321-1966 Ext. 110.

Marianna scholars lobby at the Arkansas State Capitol for National Day of Social Action