Empowering Youth Through Education: Inside the Francis Burns UMC Freedom Schools® Summer Program
Since 2014, the Francis Burns United Methodist Church (UMC) Freedom Schools® program has been a beacon of hope and growth for young scholars in the Columbia, South Carolina community. This transformative six-week summer program, which begins each year on the third Monday in June and runs through the last Friday in July, is designed to boost literacy, cultural awareness, and academic confidence among students in grades third through eighth.
A Community-Centered Approach to Learning
The Freedom Schools® model is more than just a reading program—it’s a holistic educational experience that addresses both the academic and social-emotional development of each scholar. With a low student-to-leader ratio, ten scholars per class led by college-aged Servant Leader Interns (SLIs), children receive personalized attention and mentorship throughout the program. Additional leadership and structure are provided by a dedicated team that includes an executive director, a project director, and a site coordinator.
Enriching Activities That Inspire Growth
In addition to the core focus on reading and cultural proficiency, the program offers a diverse mix of enrichment opportunities that help scholars explore new interests and build essential life skills. These include:
- STEM activities
- Social-emotional learning (SEL)
- Robotics workshops
- African drumming and cultural arts
- Public speaking and leadership exercises
- Financial literacy sessions
- And more!
Whether in-person or virtual, each experience is crafted to ignite curiosity and foster self-confidence in a supportive, affirming environment.
Nourishing the Mind and Body
Recognizing that children learn best when their basic needs are met, the Francis Burns UMC Freedom Schools® program also provides nutritious meals to all participating scholars throughout the summer months. This ensures that each child arrives ready to learn, fully nourished, and supported both physically and academically.
Why It Matters
Summer learning loss disproportionately affects students from underserved communities, often widening academic achievement gaps. Programs like the Freedom Schools® are essential in bridging that divide by providing equitable access to high-quality summer education, enrichment, and mentorship—at no cost to families.
The Francis Burns UMC Freedom Schools® program is more than a summer camp, it’s a launchpad for lifelong success, rooted in faith, community, and empowerment. As it continues to grow and evolve, it remains a powerful example of what’s possible when church, education, and community come together in service of our youth.
To learn more about enrollment, volunteer opportunities, or how to support this impactful program, contact us at here on our Contact page.
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