By Williamena Kwapo | OBSERVER Staff Writer
Each summer, the Roberts Family Development Center (RFDC) transforms the lives of nearly 1,000 students through its Freedom School program, a six-week literacy initiative designed to combat summer learning loss and inspire students of color.
Freedom School is an initiative of the Children’s Defense Fund, which dates to the civil rights era. Originally, Freedom Schools served as safe spaces for Black children to learn and grow during racial segregation in the south. Today, the program has expanded to cities across the U.S., continuing its mission of educational empowerment.
Sacramento-based nonprofit RFDC carries on this tradition, ensuring that students not only strengthen their academic skills but also develop a deeper understanding of their cultural identity and role in society.
Founded in 2001, RFDC is dedicated to providing educational, economic, and social services to underserved communities, with a strong focus on youth development and family support.
“Freedom School, in such a time as this, is about communities standing together for young people and helping them understand how valuable and important they are,” said Jacquenlyn Kendricks, RFDC’s education director. “We’re ensuring that our children are qualified [and] that they understand the system in which we live.”
At the heart of Freedom School are its servant leader interns, typically college students and young professionals who serve as educators, mentors, and role models. These interns lead interactive reading sessions, facilitate discussions on social justice, and create an engaging, culturally affirming learning environment.
As RFDC gears up for another impactful summer, the organization seeks 80 servant leader interns to guide and inspire young scholars. Ideal candidates are those with a heart for service, a passion for working with students and communities, or a desire to explore their professional path in education, social justice, or youth development.
Though designed to close the educational gap, Freedom School goes beyond traditional summer school methods. Each day begins with harambee – Swahili for “all pull together – a high-energy morning rally that fosters a sense of community and self-worth. Students engage in a comprehensive reading curriculum, exploring weekly themes that encourage personal growth and global impact. Additionally, they are consistently exposed to professionals who look like them, reinforcing the importance of representation and aspiration.
“We’re teaching children how to be actively engaged in their education,” Kendricks said. “It’s about recognizing education as a civic responsibility.”
The program serves rising first- through 11th-graders and provides daily nutritious meals, starting with breakfast at 7 a.m. Interested applicants should apply here by Sunday, March 30. For more information visit the Roberts Family Development Center website.