CL2EAR Programs
Purdue CDF Freedom School Program at First Church
The Purdue CDF Freedom School Program at First Church is a free six-week, literacy-based summer program for students in grades K-8.
Program Overview
The Purdue CDF Freedom School Program at First Church is a free six-week, literacy-based summer program for students in grades K-8. The mornings are dedicated to the integrated reading curriculum and afternoons consist of various activities including STEM engagement, field trips, and social action activities. Freedom School encourages a love of reading and learning through a culturally diverse curriculum. The Integrated Reading Curriculum affirms our scholars with engaging literature and exposure to the broader community. We hire college-aged students to teach and mentor our scholars in classrooms with a 1:10 teacher to student ratio. During the six weeks, we also encourage the parents of our scholars to be engaged in their child’s learning through parent empowerment sessions in the summer and multiple volunteer opportunities.
Mission
The mission of the Purdue CDF Freedom School Program at First Church is to expand the work and legacy of the CDF Freedom Schools® program to empower communities and develop future leaders by promoting literacy and civil engagement.
About
About CDF Freedom School
The CDF Freedom Schools® program has its origins in the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project of 1964, which brought college students from around the country to Mississippi to secure justice and voting rights for Black citizens. These early Freedom Schools aimed at keeping Black children and youth safe and giving them rich educational experiences that were not offered in Mississippi’s public schools. In a variety of makeshift settings, college student volunteers provided instruction in reading, writing, humanities, mathematics, and science along with subjects not taught in Mississippi public schools, such as Black history and constitutional rights. All of their instruction was tailored to encourage children and youth to become independent thinkers, problem solvers, and agents of change in their own communities.
Support the Purdue CDF Freedom School Program
Program Information
Summer 2026
Where: First United Methodist Church of West Lafayette
When: 2026 dates to be announced
Time: 8:00 am-3:00 pm
Cost: No cost, Students will be provided with a free breakfast, lunch, and snack during each day.
Mandatory Family/Parent Meetings are every Wednesday from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm. There will be a mandatory Family & Scholar Orientation date in June (TBA) prior to the start of the program.
Volunteer
Be part of this powerful change movement by becoming a volunteer. We invite you to discover why so many community members want to be part of Purdue CDF Freedom School Program at First Church partners!
Purdue CDF Freedom School Program at First Church partners welcomes volunteers aged 16 and up, as well as younger helpers when accompanied by a parent. If you have any questions about volunteering, please email us.
Become a Read Aloud Guest
Each morning we invite community members to our site to serve as a Read Aloud guest during our morning activity: Harambee.
During the CDF Freedom School Day, Harambee is a time of informal sharing when children and staff come together to celebrate themselves and each other. It energizes both students and staff and creates a positive atmosphere.
The purpose of Read Aloud is to show our scholars how reading is an integral part of all professions, so be prepared to talk about how important reading is for your job. We ask that guests arrive by 8:15 am. Harambee ends at 9:00 am
Community Partners
First United Methodist Church of West Lafayette
Center for Literacy and Language Education and Research (CL2EAR)
Diversity, Missions, and Justice Ministries of the United Methodist Churches of Indiana, Joyce Byllesby Trust
Metro United Way of Greater Lafayette, Sarah Rounds Equity Fund
Purdue College of Education Small Research Grants, Office of the Associate Dean for Research, Graduate Programs, and Faculty Development
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Summer Food Service Program, Indiana Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs
Indy Hunger Network, Cooking Matters Program
Frequently Asked questions
Enrolling your student is free. We operate on grants and donations, so you won’t have to pay a thing to ensure your child is set up with literacy tools for the future.
If you’re able, please consider supporting Greater Lafayette children by donating to Purdue CDF Freedom School Program at First Church.
Purdue CDF Freedom School Program at First Church provides a critical, quality summer learning program that maintains and improves students’ reading comprehension over the summer months. This program will increase your child’s literacy skills, encourage and develop character strengths, and provide a supportive community that believes in their successful future.
To register your child(ren) go to the Interest Form and complete it. We will contact you as soon as we can to let you know that your child has been enrolled.
We welcome any volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us.
Our organization is funded by donations and grants from key partners, parents, and community members.
If you’re able, please consider supporting Greater Lafayette children by donating to Purdue CDF Freedom School Program at First Church.
Interested in this program?
Complete the form below to learn more.
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