What Makes CDF Freedom Schools Different? The CDF Freedom Schools ® concept is unique among summer enrichment programs because the mission is to create safe, nurturing educational environments that set high expectations for all children.
	Literacy as a Lifeline Reading is at the heart of the Freedom School curriculum. During the summer session, many students fall in love with books for the first time.
	Multigenerational Mentoring Freedom School scholars ages 5-17 are taught by college-age interns who want to improve the lives of children while enriching their own life experience. Each intern completes rigorous traning at the Children’s Defense Fund conference facility on the Alex Haley Farm in Clinton, Tennesse, and at the Universty of Tennessee in Knoxville. Interns from around the nation have the opportunity to study the Freedom School model together.
	Highlighting Cultural Awareness Cultural history and heritage are emphasized through the use of an Integrated Reading Curriculum that introduces students to a rich collection of culturally diverse literature. Activities and field trips also explore a variety of cultures.
	Parenting as Learning Partners Freedom Schools recognize parents as important partners in educating their children. Parents are expected to participate in school activities and attend weekly workshops to learn more about successful parenting, setting and achieving family goals, and becoming advocates for children’s education.

Servant Leadership

The concept of servant leadership provides the basis for preparing college students to lead children while nurturing them both academically and emotionally. Servant Leader Interns are expected to model behavior that serves as an example of fairness, integrity, and dependability. Each CDF Freedom School hires its own team of Servant Leader Interns who are up and coming leaders from the local community. All Servant Leader Interns must be between 19 and 30 years old, with 1 year of college, and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. All servant leader interns receive a monetary stipend for their service and dedication.

All Servant Leader Interns are expected to demonstrate their commitment to youth leadership development, social action, civic engagement, and youth empowerment. Our program cultivates two generations of leadership, demonstrating to all that young people can indeed make a difference in themselves, their communities, and their world through education, hope, leadership, and social action.

Kansas City Freedom School Initiative Saturday Leadership Academy

In partnership with Hickman Mills School District at Smith Hale College Preparatory Academy

Satruday's begining January 27 - March 03, 2012 www.hickmanmills.org.

Christian Fellowship CDF Freedom School

4509 Troost, KCMO 64110

Rev. Stan Archie, Executive Director

Ms. Kenda Hogan, Project Director

816-561-7791

Friendship Baptist CDF Freedom School

3530 Chelsea Drive, KCMO 64128

Mr. Hardie Smith, Executive Director

Ms. Cynthia Garner, Project Director

816-861-3252

Grace United CDF Freedom School

801 Benton Blvd., KCMO 64124

Rev. Sharon Garfield, Executive Director

Ms. Vavor Theus, Project Director

816-231-5745

Harvest Church

4300 N. Corrington Ave, KCMO 64117

Dr. Donna Houpe, Executive Director

Dr. Penni Stone, Project Director

816 455-7777

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

2200 Olive Street, KCMO 64127

Pastor L. Henderson Bell, Executive Director

Ms. Tasha Williams, Project Director

816-241-4573

Oak Ridge Baptist CDF Freedom School

9301 Parallel Parkway, KCKS 66112

Dr. Donna Hardy, Executive Director

Ms. Jacqueline Pierson Tomlin, Project Director

Ms. Tia Patrick, Site Coordinator

913-788-5657

Rainbow Mennonite CDF Freedom School

1444 Southwest Blvd. KCKS 66103

Rev. Robert Kaufman, Executive Director

913-236-8820

Latest News

All KC CDF Freedom School sites have expanded to serve Level 4 scholars ages 13-17. Teen Scholars should be enrolled in each sites using the online scholar application listed above. These scholars will be provided with an age-appropriate Freedom School experience that cultivates a love of literacy and leadership through opportunities to serve the local community. Our Level IV Teen Scholars will participate in specialized training workshops to prepare them for strengthening their awareness of personal capacities to serve others.

Collaboration with other collegiate youth leaders to support the needs of children, families, and community members
Real world on-the-job training and preparation for teens who are still too young to work
Teens developing a stronger understanding of personal responsibility to practice and model healthy lifestyles and choices
Opportunities to design and lead implementation of social action projects & recognition for such
Letters documenting total hours of community service throughout summer experience (typically 240+ hours)
Opportunities for testimonials highlighting personal service and accomplishments on our webpage

Video Highlights

Overview of Freedom School
video1

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Kauffman Foundation Freedom School Discovery Day 2008

video2

FAQ

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