About Us
In school districts across the country, summer vacation creates an extra challenge for children and educators when school resumes in the fall. According to the Northwest Evaluation Association, students in grades 3 through 8 will lose between 32-75% of their gains achieved in reading from the previous school year. As a result, teachers must spend the first several weeks of the new school year overcoming summer “learning loss.” This means providing remedial reading lessons to bring students' reading levels back to where they were at the beginning of summer break.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! Our mission and vision are to ensure this cornerstone is available to all students who need it.
Proudly rooted in the Civil Rights Movement and the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer Project, the CDF Freedom Schools program supports children and families around five essential components:
But it doesn’t have to be this way! Our mission and vision are to ensure this cornerstone is available to all students who need it.
Proudly rooted in the Civil Rights Movement and the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer Project, the CDF Freedom Schools program supports children and families around five essential components:
- High-quality academic enrichment
- Parent and family involvement
- Civic engagement and social action
- Intergenerational leadership development
- Nutrition, health, and mental health supports
The future belongs to the children.Today's children are shaping the future of our world, and we firmly believe literacy will empower them to steer the ship. IFSP is here to empower children in the Indianapolis area with literacy tools made accessible through our summer educational programs. Our mission is critical, and our vision goes far beyond just us.
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What is a Freedom School?CDF Freedom Schools© are six-week summer programs designed to increase literacy, self-esteem, socio-emotional skills, and a love of learning for children in grades K-8. We disrupt the summer “learning slide” by keeping scholars engaged and stimulated.
CDF Freedom Schools© helps children discover their inherent greatness and potential. It’s important to us to utilize books and curricula that celebrate the cultures and contributions of people of color. We also employ young-adult teachers and mentors who serve as role models and mentors for our kids. |
Children's Defense FundThe Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for more than 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. We champion policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure access to health care, quality education, and a moral and spiritual foundation. Supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations, CDF advocates nationwide on behalf of children to ensure they are always a priority.
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