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About the Program
The CCFS Freedom Schools program is a partner initiative of the NJ Office of Faith-Based Initiatives and the Children’s Defense Fund, designed to provide summer learning and enrichment opportunities to high school students. The goal is to boost reading achievement, nurture a deep love of learning, cultivate future leaders, and offer parental support. Interns become part of this movement as inspiring classroom leaders, mentors, and role models.
Nature and Scope
CDF’s mission is to build community so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy. The CDF Freedom Schools® Program is a direct service initiative coordinated nationally by Children’s Defense Fund in partnership with local community organizations. It is an educational and cultural enrichment program that provides summer and after-school options for children and youth, and strengthens family and community involvement.
The mission of CDF Freedom Schools programs is to boost scholars' motivations to read, generate more positive attitudes toward learning, increase self-esteem, and connect the needs of children and families to the resources of their communities. The program serves children and youth in grades K-12 for six to eight weeks. The activity-based Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC), which is aligned with the Common Core State Standards, integrates reading, conflict resolution, and social action, and is designed to promote social, cultural, and historical awareness. A multi-year assessment of CDF Freedom Schools program sites continuously demonstrates the effectiveness of the IRC, which has proven to avert children’s summer learning loss in reading achievement.
College-aged young adults and recent college graduates play a key role in the CDF Freedom Schools Program in the position of Servant Leader Intern. Each CDF Freedom Schools Servant Leader Intern serves as the teacher for a maximum of 10 scholars. Servant Leader Interns have access to further leadership development and networking opportunities geared toward continued direct service and advocacy on behalf of children, youth and families.
Responsibilities
Engage a maximum of 10 scholars per class in the Integrated Reading Curriculum.
Set up, manage, and break down classroom space according to standards outlined by CDF and the sponsor organization.
Supervise and maintain safety of scholars.
Serve as a positive role model for all scholars.
Maintain a professional decorum.
Attend all required Ella Baker Child Policy Training Institute training sessions.
Attend all local and site-based trainings as outlined by the Site Coordinator.
Qualifications
Must have completed at least one year of college in good academic standing (typical age range is at least 20 years old).
Ability to motivate others and work as part of an intergenerational team.
Solid commitment to the success and well-being of children and youth.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Exhibit positive behavior and attitude, modeling a mature and professional demeanor.
Why join our team?
Build hands-on experience in education, leadership, community engagement, and advocacy through a nationally recognized program.
Create lasting impact by empowering young scholars and supporting their families.
Strengthen your professional and personal skills—including classroom leadership, mentoring, event coordination, teamwork, and cultural awareness.
Become part of a diverse, mission-driven community dedicated to educational equity and servant leadership.