FREEDOM SCHOOL: SUMMER READING PROGRAM

PROGRAM MISSION

to provide summer and after-school enrichment that helps children fall in love with reading, increases their self-esteem, and generates positive attitudes toward learning.

THE LISTENING: FREEDOM SCHOOL
Returns Summer TBA

The CDF Freedom Schools® program seeks to build strong, literate, and empowered children prepared to make a difference in themselves, their families, communities, nation and world today. By providing summer and after-school reading enrichment for children who might otherwise not have access to books, the CDF Freedom Schools program plays a much needed role in helping to curb summer learning loss and close achievement gaps — and is a key part of CDF’s work to ensure a level playing field for all children.

2021 Outcomes (The Comeback Year):

84% of scholars were either at or above reading level

Nearly ⅓ of our inaugural class of 2019 scholars returned!

There were 0% reported cases of COVID-19 throughout our 2021 Season!

2020 Outcomes (The Gap Year)

4 Freedom School scholars participated in Life These Days project

Over 40 community members participated in Virtual Daily Read Aloud

Over 30 families received gardening kits while quarantining (courtesy of Virginia Cooperative Extension)

Over 30 families also received Quarantine Survival Kits (courtesy of Junior League of Lynchburg)

2019 Outcomes:

85% of Scholars avoided summer learning loss
97% of parents saw increased reading confidence in their children
92% of parents were interested in engaging in social action with their children