Freedom Schools to Help Students Remain Engaged Over Summer

Over the summer, students in Robbinsdale Area Schools will have a unique opportunity to remain connected to their education, but also their community thanks to an historical program being offered.

Rooted in the history of the Mississippi Freedom Project of 1964, Freedom Schools have a legacy of experiential learning with culturally responsive and relevant curriculum, and this summer, District 281 will be offering two such programs for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

“Freedom Schools have a rich history that’s built upon supporting the educational needs of students, but also empowering scholars in the spheres of family involvement, civic engagement and social action,” said Tamuriel Grace, Director of Achievement and Integration / College and Careers. “That aligns really well with our Unified District Vision, and makes Freedom Schools a natural fit for us.”

Both programs being offered by Robbinsdale Area Schools will be six-week programs beginning June 21. They’ll focus on enriching student literacy and knowledge retention over the summer to prevent learning loss, but also offer a unique opportunity to be immersed in the Freedom School curriculum and model.

The American Indian Freedom School welcomes and will provide our scholars from all races, cultures and backgrounds with experiential learning from Indigenous peoples. Scholars will learn, hear and experience a summer filled with Indigenous peoples’ perspectives, culture and traditions. American Indian Education Program students, and scholars from other backgrounds who are interested in learning about Indigenous peoples’ perspectives are encouraged to participate.

The other program is a Traditional Freedom School, and will feature a curriculum developed in partnership with local Black elders and scholars, using a model based on African American or Black culture from the 1964 Freedom Schools in Mississippi.

Details

Both programs will be held Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting June 21 and ending July 30. Students who attend will receive a free breakfast, snack and lunch through the daily program schedule. There is no cost for the Freedom School program, and transportation will be provided if needed. The deadline to register online is Friday, June 4. For more information, check out the district’s Freedom School flyers (Traditional, American Indian).