Beacon Newsroom
Beacon Partners with Freedom School
August 15, 2011
Two of the biggest challenges facing inner-city families during the summer months are unsupervised children who are left home alone while their parents/guardians work and the drop-off in learning that occurs while schools are out of session. With public sector budgets under pressure at every level and families struggling financially, the lack of safe and productive alternatives for children during the summer months is a big challenge for many families.However, local programs like Freedom School Partners are proving to be a highly effective solution to the summertime education lull and the lack of structured activities with good role models. The mission at Freedom School Partners is to “engage, educate and empower children to succeed in school and in life through quality, year-round educational enrichment programs.”
Founded in 1999 and formerly known as Siegle Avenue Partners, Freedom School Partners is the local affiliate of the national Freedom Schools program. In the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, Freedom School Partners will serve over 1,000 children during 2011 and hopes to grow to serve 5,000 children by 2016.
The organization typically partners with local, religious organizations who provide funding and volunteers for reading enhancement and field trips for the children. This year, Beacon Partners committed to sponsor a local Freedom School, the first such corporate sponsorship in Charlotte at Statesville Road Elementary School. Children are surrounded daily by caring adults and college students, who are selected and trained by Freedom Schools, to share their enthusiasm for learning and reading. The school provides transportation, two meals and snacks and participation in daily activities and field trips - free of charge - to participants. To learn more, visit www.freedomschoolpartners.org.
Freedom School Partners Video
