School of Education and Human Services receives Kellogg Foundation grant

The W. K. Kellogg Foundation approved a proposal in June 2011 for the School of Education and Human Services to host a Freedom Schools program in the city of Detroit.

Freedom Schools is a summer enrichment program designed by the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), a national nonprofit committed to improving the welfare of children in America. Freedom Schools are implemented across the nation, serving more than 80,000 children to date. The integrated reading curriculum for the no-cost, six-week program connects themes read and discussed in the morning with afternoon activities, such as field trips, music, dance and social action projects.  

There are five components that each Freedom School focuses on:

1. High-quality academic involvement
2. Parent and family involvement
3. Social action and civic engagement
4. Intergenerational servant leadership development
5. Nutrition, health and mental health

This first Freedom School in Detroit will be held at Nsoroma Institute, a charter school with an African centered curriculum. College-age adults from the community typically serve as the servant leaders who lead the classrooms after receiving in-depth training from the CDF.

Through the Kellogg Foundation grant, 70 children will receive a high-quality summer experience that is fun, engaging and encourages a love of reading. In addition, college-age adults will learn leadership skills as they lead classroom discussions. This experience provides individuals in our community the opportunity to have a positive impact on children by serving as role models.