For over 35 years nationally, and nearly three decades in Ohio, CDF has worked closely with state and local child advocates as well as national and state organizations serving children to level the playing field for children through a variety of campaigns and initiatives.  Throughout, CDF has worked to educate the public on our children at risk and provide them with the necessary tools to apply pressure to the political establishment to improve the lives of children. 

Our current campaigns and programs build upon this long legacy of success by empowering communities and advocates to create the change our children urgently need.

CDF Freedom Schools® Program

The CDF Freedom Schools program provides summer and after-school enrichment that helps children fall in love with reading, increases their self-esteem, and generates more positive attitudes toward learning. Children are taught using a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; intergenerational leadership development; and nutrition, health and mental health.

About 90,000 children—“Scholars”—have had a CDF Freedom Schools experience since 1995 and 9,000 college teacher-mentors have been trained to serve them.This year, nearly 10,000 scholars attended 151 different program sites in 87 cities in 27 states.

The program quadrupled in Ohio between 2010 and 2011, serving nearly 600 children in Cleveland, Columbus, and Dayton.

For information about starting a CDF Freedom Schools program in Ohio, please contact Rev. Laura Young at (614) 221-2244.

Learn more about the CDF Freedom Schools program and how you can get involved.