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We're an Official CDF Freedom Schools® Partner Organization

The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools® program is a unique six-week summer literacy and cultural enrichment initiative with a powerful focus on social justice. Designed to inspire students to believe in their ability to create positive change in themselves, their families, and their communities, the program blends education, hope, and action.


Inspired by the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer project, CDF Freedom Schools serve K-12 children in communities where access to quality academic programs is limited, too expensive, or unavailable. Best of all, it's completely free for the families and communities involved!

The CDF Freedom Schools do more than improve reading skills -- they enhance children’s motivation to read while connecting families to valuable community resources. Scholars engage in a multicultural, research-based, Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC) designed to foster growth through five essential components:

  1. High-quality academic enrichment
  2. Parent and family development
  3. Civic engagement and social action
  4. Intergenerational servant leadership development
  5. Nutrition, health, and mental health

The IRC curriculum not only builds literacy skills but also empowers students with social action, conflict resolution, and community-building activities. With books and lessons that celebrate the scholars' cultural heritage, representation is a key part of the experience.


Staffed primarily by college students and recent graduates, the program boasts a 10:1 child-to-adult ratio. This intergenerational approach has proven effective, with many students making notable progress in reading and avoiding the common summer learning loss.


In essence, the CDF Freedom Schools program improves reading and language skills, strengthens family bonds, connects children with essential services, and nurtures the skills needed to uplift communities. Through culturally relevant teaching, scholars gain a deeper understanding of their own identities and their shared role in building a just and inclusive society.

We sponsor and support a CDF Freedom Schools® program in these communities:

Huntsville, Madison County, AL

Union Springs, Bullock County, AL

Charlotte, Mecklenburg, NC


Interested in getting a CDF Freedom Schools program started in your community? Get the conversation going and send an email to hello@crshsv.org.

Your support matters.


Your generosity today has the power to positively change the lives of many children in need.

Sponsor a child or family
Show Your Support & Make a Donation
Sponsor a child for Freedom School or a family for Parent Project.

If you would prefer to mail a check (made payable to Children Read Succeed), or purchase supplies on our behalf, please send it to:

Children Read Succeed

P.O. Box 5454

Huntsville, AL 35814


Children Read Succeed (CRS) is a Section 501(c) (3) public charitable organization, Tax ID: 85-3230252. All donations are deemed tax-deductible absent any limitations on deductibility applicable to a particular taxpayer. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your contribution.