Elev8 Baltimore, a division of Humanim, Inc., and the CDF Freedom Schools partner to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Freedom Summer, a turning point in the civil rights movement. Students from Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School and Dr. Rayner Brown Elementary/Middle School express their love for reading and summer learning in this student rendition of “Happy.” The lyrics feature their enthusiasm, appreciation and promotion of reading. Click here to view: “Happy” Reading at CDF Freedom Schools. Video production by: Creative Development Studios, out of school time enrichment partner with Elev8 Baltimore.
Summer 2014 marks the fifth summer of partnership between Elev8 Baltimore and the CDF Freedom Schools. The impact of this partnership can be seen in the attendance and reading achievement scores of students. For the 2013 summer students,86% of students were absent less than 20 days, and 74% of students scored at the Proficient or Advanced level on the Reading MSA. (Carson Research Consulting, July 2014) Summer 2014 just wrapped up, and we will be tracking our outcomes and adjusting the strategy in response to the Common Core changes.
Special thanks to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies, the Hoffberger Family Philanthropies, Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation for supporting our efforts. We also extend special recognition to our partners at the Maryland State Department of Education, 21st Century Community Learning Centers program and the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism AmeriCorps program.