Brenda H. Tapia CDF Freedom Schools

Davidson students serve as servant leader interns for Brenda H. Tapia CDF Freedom Schools.

The Freedom Schools program was developed by the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) and provides summer enrichment experiences for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The program fosters a love of reading, increased self-esteem, and positive attitudes towards learning.

Classes are held at the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson, and students receive two meals and a snack each day. Each year, six Davidson students receive training to serve as servant leader interns for the program, which is grounded in a model curriculum that includes five essential components:

• High quality academic enrichment
• Parent and family involvement
• Civic engagement and social action
• Intergenerational leadership development
• Nutrition, health and mental health.

Through participation in the program, children learn the following:

• Appreciation and knowledge of one's culture engender self-worth and the ability to live in community with others.
• Learning communities offer a sense of safety, love, caring, and personal power needed for transformative education.
• As citizens, children and adults have the power to make a difference in their communities.

Summer 2025 Details

Brenda H. Tapia CDF Freedom Schools is a six-week summer program. The program will tentatively run from Monday, June 16 - Friday, July 25* daily from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. We are off on Thursday, June 19, and Friday, June 20 for Juneteenth, Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4 for Independence Day. Scholars are expected to attend programming every week. Summer attendance will impact future invites back to the program. *Dates are subject to change.

We will accept 50 scholars (20:  Kinder - 2nd graders, 20: 3rd - 5th graders, and 10: 6th - 8th graders).

Learn more about Freedom School on the Children's Defense Fund website.

Freedom Schools Special Events 

National Day of Social Action

Each year CDF Freedom Schools communities participate in the National Day of Social Action (NDSA) project – a collective organizing effort centered around CDF’s principles and Leave No Child Behind mission. This year’s NDSA will happen on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The focus for summer 2025 will be announced at a later date.

• When: Wednesday, July 16
• Where: Ada Jenkins Center - gymnasium
• Time: 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• Who: You + a friend!

Finale

A community-wide celebration that culminates our scholar's wonderful talents shared through performances and artwork displays!

• When: Friday, July 25
• Where: E. Craig Wall Jr. Academic Center - Atrium
• Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Who: You + a friend!

Application Process

Thank you for your interest in our program. In mid-winter, we will begin sharing the enrollment form for summer 2025 with returning families. 

Thank you for considering our program for your scholar!