Alcorn offers Freedom School 2013
Alcorn State, Miss. (April 30, 2013) – Alcorn State University in partnership with the Children’s Defense Fund is offering its second annual six-week program to enhance literacy skills of 50 students between kindergarten and 12th grade.
Using a successful national model, the Alcorn Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School will give priority to students from Southwestern Mississippi. From June 17 to July 26, this free program will improve reading skills, generate more positive learning attitudes and boost students’ self esteem.
Alcorn President M. Christopher Brown II is committed to this summer enrichment program as a continuation of his strategic initiatives.
Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools trace their roots to the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project of 1964. The Council of Federated Organizations and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a group commonly called SNCC, birthed the Freedom Schools.
In 1992, the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools program was reborn under the Children’s Defense Fund’s Black Community Crusade for Children and the leadership of Marian Wright Edelman.
The Alcorn Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School will be lead by adults and a group of well-qualified university student leaders.
The Alcorn Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School program site will be a safe and restorative learning space where:
• Children are surrounded by caring adults and college-age young adults from their community who share their enthusiasm for learning and reading and commit to serving them as authentic mentors.
• Children read high-quality books and are engaged in learning activities that are appropriate to their developmental needs and interests.
• Each day begins with “Harambee!,” a 30-minute activity to celebrate and affirm the value of each participant and prepare for work and learning.
• Children receive two nutritious meals and a healthy snack each day in the summer program.
• Parents are engaged as site volunteers and participate in weekly workshops on children’s developmental needs, civic responsibility and other topics of interest.
• Children are encouraged and supported to dream, set goals, cultivate positive attitudes and high expectations.
Apply now – parents may access the printable application online at www.alcorn.edu/cdffs.pdf until May 15. Paper applications may be picked up at the Office of Student Engagement, second floor of the James L. Bolden Campus Union.
Those with questions may call Dr. Valerie Thompson, executive director, at 601.877.6385 or Mr. Kelly Thomas, project director, at 601.877.6807.
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Alcorn State University is a premier comprehensive land-grant university that develops diverse students into globally-competitive leaders, and applies scientific research through collaborative partnerships that benefit the surrounding communities, state, nation, and world.
