Freedom School

The Freedom School model targets African American children age 8-18 that are at risk for failing in school. Summer Freedom School embodies our Mission to “Go Get Them, Bring Them In and Grow Them Up.” Our quality program blends the traditional enrichment activities with culturally specific and intentional strategies that are unique to the developmental and academic needs of the youth we serve. Freedom School celebrates African American cultural heritage and fosters community, serving youth with limited access to traditional enrichment opportunities and filling gaps in existing programs. While teaching necessary educational skills to empower youth and to break cycles of poverty, gang violence and failure in school, we are active in our vision of social justice. We see firsthand how our work measurably improves the lives of economically disadvantaged children. Freedom School gives a face to our missional work of total family empowerment by investing in the minds, bodies and spirits of our youth and their families.

The following profiles of target families have evolved through our work. They are victims of generational poverty. The family income of all youth currently served by our work is less than $20,000 per year. Many parents are often absent from home because they work more than one job to make ends meet. Our youth are at high risk of school failure – 90% attend alternative schools and are typically tardy or truant. Education is sporadic and graduation rates are poor. Cultural capital, an important indicator and asset for future success, is often missing. Gang involvement or affiliation is the norm and 85% of our children are precariously housed. Utility shut-offs are common at home. Substance abuse is a normative factor in 90% of our youth’s families. Parental drug habits are supported by theft and the selling of drugs, both often involve children. Domestic violence is prevalent. Violence is an accepted and expected part of everyday life.

To increase our outreach to youth, we have solidified our year-round partnerships, expanded the length of the program during the summer and expanded the number of hours each day we are open and the numbers of youth we are able to serve. We are also adding a youth violence prevention component (through Jason Sole) and the Sidewalks project as a youth engagement and organizing component.In a recent study by the City of Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support, it was noted that “After-school programs, youth development and family services programs exist and are available to residents of the assessment area neighborhoods.

Specific gaps in gang prevention that emerged from the assessment include:
1) Structured programs for youth that prepare them to deal with pressure to join gangs
2) Culturally appropriate programs at all levels of prevention
3) Trusted adults interacting and mentoring youth in the community.”

Freedom School Expansion:  
To better meet our goals, this year we are expanding the length of the program in the summer (from 6 to 9 weeks), the hours per day (from 7.5 to 9.5), and anticipate increasing staffing to support upwards of 100 (to 150) youth. Kwanzaa’s expansion of our Summer Freedom School model, and the year-round additional focus of both Sidewalks and Jason Sole to our existing programming, are in direct response to address the filling of this gap. Increasing our attention on those youth we already serve in the middle- and high-school ages is vital. Increased action, attention and investment at the community level and through our direct service efforts are crucial to long term and sustainable success.

Freedom School Results/Outcomes:
An essential component of the Freedom School model is analysis of systems of power and community engagement, which is why we are adding a formalized year-round component (through Jason Sole and Sidewalks) to our model. Teens ages 15-18 sat on three community boards. Weekly, we encouraged young people to tell their own stories through Harambee Circles. By telling their own stories, they decreased stress, despair and frustration that leads to violence and experienced a sense of connection to caring adults and community members. Moreover, through leadership development and training through programs such as Toastmasters, they increased their confidence and competence in speaking, power analysis and thorough preparation.

Last year, in partnership with the PYC Arts and Technology High School, Freedom School youth created two documentaries. “Blue Migration” was a documentary of the BP oil spill’s impact on the north Minneapolis local Blue Heron Population. The film explored the potential danger the water birds might encounter as they migrate to their winter nesting location in the area of the “BP” oil spill. Youth were encouraged to look empathetically at the parallels and challenges in their own life. “Our Community, Our home” was a positive view of north Minneapolis. The film focused on what makes their community feel like a home. The student filmmakers also examined the positive elements, people, and organizations that make up the community through insightful interviews with several organizations that are dedicated to assisting the residents of north Minneapolis.

Areas of expansion, integration and additional focus:
1) Imani Center for Youth Violence Prevention (Includes Freedom School)
2) Sidewalks Saving Lives – HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care, Community Organizing
3) NWS (Includes Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Teen Education and Art Projects)
4) Urban Garden