“Something inside so strong”

When people feel part of something bigger, when they can see themselves differently, see their communities and their futures differently… that’s powerful inspiration for change. 

At the Freedom Scholars Learning Center we encourage that transformation in a safe place where children, youth and families can engage in a variety of learning that recognizes their strengths, their culture, their struggles and their capacity to thrive and make a difference. 

Seed Sowers & Storytellers

Application Open Now!!

Seed Sowers & Storytellers 2024-2025 will be running Monday - Thursday, from 3:00pm to 6:30pm. The first day of program will be Monday, September 29th, 2025 and will run until Thursday, May 21st, 2026.

Freedom Scholars Leaders will meet Seed Sowers scholars at School #33 at dismissal. Together we will walk or ride our bus up Rosewood Terrace to St. Mark's & St. John's Church at 1245 Culver Rd. If parents can arrange transportation to the church, students from other schools are welcome to join Seed Sowers. As we walk and spend time in the church's gardens and our classrooms, our Seed Sowers will read books, plant seeds, gather stories, and engage in their own action research projects as we grow our community together. Children will be dismissed from the church at 1245 Culver Rd. at 6:15pm.

All youth must currently be attending Kindergarten through 6th grade. Youth accepted into the program must be available and ready to participate for the duration of the program.

Program Acceptance: Scholar acceptance into the program is on a first-come, first-served basis. We highly encourage parents to attend parent orientation to guarantee your child(s) enrollment in the program. Orientation is Thursday, September 19th at 6:00PM at St. Mark's & St. John's Church (1245 Culver Rd.). Families welcome!

  • “My son told me he feels more confident in reading because with Freedom Scholars there’s no judgment, I really appreciate that.”

    Shalene Thompson, Rochester FSLC Parent

  • I would say the positive impacts of having a 1:1 with Kaleb was the relationship built between him and his aid as well as us (the parents). There was clear communication on how his day went and communications on what we could do better to support his needs. There was growth in his social queues & interactions. Overall, it was a great experience. My hope is that since Kaleb was the main student with special needs/powers who had an aid - that you would be able to receive additional support from other trained sped aids/specialists to continue to cater to other children of special needs who could benefit from this awesome program! Thank you for including Kaleb in your program and we look forward to working with you again!

    Katie Valentine, Rochester FSLC Parent

  • I want to thank you for everything you & Freedom School have done for me. I love it so much & will always be grateful for it. I hope to come back in future years & give back to you guys; no one has any idea how much Freedom School means to me. I took so many lessons, skills, love, friendships & values with me. I want to thank you personally for being the greatest boss anyone could ever have. Thank you for believing in me the most & driving me to be my best self. You were like a second father to me and always made sure I was okay, you always know how to brighten people's day. You and Freedom School have impacted my life tremendously. Thank you so much for everything man!

    Adny Santiago, Former JSL

  • I love how they take to my child and reading is very important! Inez has going for 3yrs now!! I like how they do gardening. Additionally, they engage with parents and our whole family we - enjoying family night once a month. It's not just the kids that know each other but the family's also!!

    Charllene Wise, Rochester FSLC Parent

  • I like the fact that the program has opportunities for David to learn more about different cultures, how to do gardening, the reading time, learning social skills, learning about his community, and the time we'll spent in there for him. Most importantly, his safety.

    Stephanie Sanchez, Rochester FSLC Parent

  • I love the program that my daughter is in through Mr. Smith. It's something constructive that my daughter is involved with after school to strengthen skills she is learning in school, like reading and writing skills. I also like the activities that Mr. Smith and his staff embarks on with the kids, teaching them valuable skills that will carry on later in life like teamwork and leadership. I also like how they involve parents with it as well - it is something great for are community

    Darius Franklin, Rochester FSLC Parent

  • Kindness Champion Spotlight

    February 2024