The Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools program at Davidson College provides summer enrichment, for children between kindergarten and 8th grades, that fosters a love for reading, increases self-esteem, and generates positive attitudes toward learning.  The program is grounded in a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; intergenerational leadership development; and nutrition, health and mental health. Davidson College Students serve as Servant Leader Interns for the children. The program is held at the Ada Jenkins Community Center and includes 2 meals and a snack each day.

The CDF Freedom Schools program is grounded in the following set of core beliefs that place children at the center of the education experience:
• Appreciation and knowledge of one's culture engenders self worth and the ability to live in community with others.
• Learning communities that offer a sense of safety, love, caring, and personal power are needed for transformative education.
• As citizens, children and adults have the power to make a difference in their communities and be advocates for themselves.

Program Dates & Times
The Summer 2013 program dates are Monday, June 24th - Friday, August 2nd on weekdays from 8am - 3pm. While the program is offered at no cost to participants, families are asked to pay a registration fee of $15.00 after they are notified of admission to the program to cover basic administrative costs. Given that the program often has a waiting list, daily attendance is an expectation of the program. The following are additional 2013 program dates for parents:
o Orientation: Friday, June 21st
o Finale: Tuesday, July 30th

Application Process
To apply to be a part of the program, families of children in kindergarten through 8th grades should complete the online application that is available the first Monday in February. The deadline to submit an application is the first Monday in March. Families will be notified in early April of the status of their application to the program. Scholars who are returning to the program are given priority as are siblings of returners as long as they apply by the application deadline. Then, admission is available on a first come, first served basis.