About CDF Freedom Schools
CDF Freedom Schools® empower youth to excel and believe in their ability to make a difference in themselves, their families, communities, country, and world with hope, education, and action.
This out-of-school-time program provides culturally responsive enrichment through a research-based and multicultural model, reaching children and youth in 30 states and more than 100 American cities.
For Scholars:
This program supports K-12 scholars and their families through five essential components:
- high-quality academic and character-building enrichment
- parent and family involvement
- civic engagement and social action
- intergenerational servant leadership development
- and nutrition, health, and mental health services
Students also receive two nutritious meals and a snack daily, as well as a book each week to build their home libraries.
For Young Adults:
CDF Freedom Schools is built on an intergenerational leadership model. Our program is staffed primarily by college-age young people, holding true to the program’s historical roots in the Freedom Summer of 1964.
Through the CDF Freedom Schools program, young adults all across the country learn about education, movement-building, and children’s policy and are given opportunities to help build the next generation of scholars and leaders.
CDF-Texas partners with CDF Freedom Schools sites across the state to train young people in effective advocacy through a program called YOUthTX. If you’re interested in learning more about this free program, visit the YOUthTX page.
For You, our Community:
Each day at CDF Freedom Schools begins with Harambee, a Kiswahili word for ‘all pull together.’ Harambee is an energizing opening assembly featuring the motivational song, cheers and chants, a moment of silence, and a Read Aloud! We welcome any member of the community to read a book with our scholars and engage in their vital learning and relationship-building processes.
Sign up to Read Aloud at our site in Austin!
To sign up for other sites, come back to this page to find those links here as they become available. Stay tuned!
Find a CDF Freedom Schools® Site
In Texas, you can find CDF Freedom Schools at eight different sites across five Texas cities:
- Houston,
- Austin,
- Fort Worth,
- and Galveston.
These sites will serve more than 500 scholars with the CDF Freedom Schools Integrated Reading Curriculum and proven program model.
Get Involved!
In addition to being a Read Aloud guest, there are many ways to support your local CDF Freedom Schools site. Contact us today to learn more!
Cecilia Joseph
Director of Operations
