Freedom Schools 2023 Highlights
Elev8 Baltimore’s 2023 Freedom Schools Program was a great success!
Our Freedom Schools Program is a unique summer literacy experience that helps ensure that students are prepared for whatever comes next on their journey – college, high school, career, or just life’s many challenges.
At Freedom School, young people have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Black and indigenous experiences, giving them the opportunity to see their lived experiences in the written word. We give our students the opportunity to enjoy Black, Brown and indigenous – especially Baltimore–authors, giving our scholars the chance to connect with people from their own communities.
It’s such a great experience that participants can’t stay away – like Jayla ONeal, who first attended in 5th grade, has joined us every summer since, and is now a learning coach.
This summer, more than 571 scholars attended Freedom School, making new friends, having new experiences, growing in confidence, and developing what we hope is a life-long love for reading. Our average daily attendance was 81%. Our scholars love Freedom Schools!
This year’s school sites included:
- Abbottston Elementary School
- Arundel Elementary School
- Cecil Elementary School
- Collington Square Elementary/Middle School
- Historic Cherry Hill Elementary/Middle School
- Patterson Park Charter School
- Southwest Baltimore Charter School
- Thomas Jefferson Elem/Mid School
- Wildwood Elementary/Middle School
This year we were also blessed with many wonderful volunteer readers, from all walks of life, who helped expose our students to a variety of careers and stories.
Many thanks to all our volunteer readers – your gift of your time and talents enriched all of our lives.
Highlights of Summer 2023
Our scholars are not likely to forget this visit from Maryland’s First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore, who spent the morning sharing with our scholars, joining in Harambee and giving out lots of hugs.
A big shout out to Baltimore Children and Youth Fund board member Larry Simmons Jr., for sharing his love of reading with these scholars!
Elev8 Baltimore Board Member Julia Baez brought the energy with her!
Creative Nomads Executive Director Kayenecha Daugherty joined Harambee at Cecil Elementary!
Baltimore City Public Schools Commissioner Ashley Esposito helped our morning start off right.
Councilmember Odette Ramos captivated the audience!
As did Councilmember James Torrence!
When you’re able to read, and able to imagine, you’re able to soar.
– Executive Director Alex Warrick Adams
