A summer literacy program with a “let’s pull together” philosophy is engaging kids across the country.

• From 8am – 3pm every day, 200 kids in Los Angeles are attending an unconventional six-week course in learning to love the written word. These so-called Freedom Schools are based on programs from the 1960s which attempted to address the educational achievment gap between white and African-American students.
• Students read several books each week, and studies have shown the program to improve reading ability for second through fifth-graders. In addition to reading lessons, students are also taught critical thinking, healthy eating habits, creative arts, and social skills. The schools serve food, lead field trips, and require parent involvement.
• Despite its unconventional approach, the program’s emphasis on literacy has caught the attention of politicians like Mark Ridley-Thomas, whose office contributed $150,000 to fund five new Freedom Schools in LA.

Facts & Figures

• Children’s Defense Fund, a child advocacy non-profit, has been creating Freedom Schools around the country since 1995.
• Nationwide, there are 9,600 children participating in the program this summer.
• Expenditures for each Freedom School site amount to about $60,000 for the six-week duration.

Best Quote

“It’s different than real school; you’re doing work but at the same time you’re having fun. The best part is, we can just be free here.” – Jaylen Chairez, 8 years old

Tags: achievement gap, Children's Defense Fund, Education, literacy, Poverty