CDF Freedom Schools Provide Out of School Time Support

ZaNia’s smile lit up her face when she talked about spending her summer days at Freedom School on the South Side of Columbus. When asked how she feels about the program she’s been involved in since kindergarten, she said without hesitation, “I love Freedom School, because it makes me feel like I belong here. And it makes me feel happy and proud for who I am.”

United Way supports numerous high-quality Out of School Time programs such as Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools, led by our nonprofit partner Community Development for All People’s (CD4AP). CDF Freedom Schools provide a special focus on literacy enrichment, extended learning opportunities, leadership and character development, social emotional learning, and STEM and arts enrichment.

For ZaNia and hundreds of other children, these important programs are safe spaces where they can play, learn and feel celebrated. For their parents and guardians, these Out of School Time programs support families by providing a low-cost, reliable and high-quality place where their children have role models, participate in literacy programs and feel a sense of belonging like ZaNia does.

“After school and summer programs for the community are serving a huge crucial role in supporting workforce for our parents, a safe, engaging, inspiring place for our scholars to be that is free so they (families) have disposable income to go get groceries or pay rent,” says Darlene Scheid, the youth development director at CD4AP.

When talking about Freedom Schools, ZaNia is more focused on how the staff and the program makes her feel each and every day she attends. “It inspires me to be a better person,” she says, smiling broadly.

Join United Way and the Success by Third Grade movement to ensure more children like ZaNia have the opportunities and resources they need to reach their full potential.