Imagine a place where the joy of reading is not only taught but experienced, a place where kids burst through the doors with excitement because they know each page turned open up a world of endless possibilities. Welcome to BLAQUE’s Freedom School - an innovative summer program that's changing lives one child at a time. The need is urgent; with recent data showing only 2 out of 10 Black children in the State of Missouri are reading on grade level, the literacy crisis is real!! But here’s the good news - it's not insurmountable, and we all have a role to play in changing this narrative!

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In Freedom School, every day is a celebration of learning, kicking off with Harambee, a session of songs, chants, and motivational readings designed to energize and unite the students. It’s an environment where children are immersed in a world where books are not just words on pages but gateways to discovery, aspiration, and empowerment.

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So, how can you join this transformative journey? It starts with a belief - a conviction that every child, regardless of their background, is a reservoir of potential waiting to be unleashed. It’s fueled by action - volunteering, mentoring, and investing in the program. As we embark on this journey of growth we will need even more interns, readers and champions to support this work. It’s cemented by advocacy - being voices that echo the urgent call to elevate literacy in our city. Applications for students, site coordinators, and summer interns are open!