Foundation
We UpLift Youth & Open Doors To
Build A Brighter Future!
Programs aimed to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills and sense of social responsibility in young participats.
Our Impact
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Reading Curriculum
Our reading program is designed to spark curiosity and build strong critical thinking skills. We incorporate D.E.A.R. Time (Drop Everything And Read) to foster a lifelong love of reading.
STEM
In the afternoon, youth dive into hands-on science and creative activities that spark inspire. Highlights include Egg Drop challenge, building a Robotic Hands, exploring Phases of the Moon, and Junior Chef Days.
Field Trips
At the Uplift Foundation, we organize fun and educational field trips that spark curiosity and build connections. Past adventures include visiting the first Black-owned golf course, joining fellow Freedom Schools at Asbury Park Beach, and more exciting destinations planned for next year.
Empowering.
Transformative. Liberating
Welcome, Parents!
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Registration interest for the Uplift Foundation 2027 program is now open! We’re excited to welcome new and returning families for another fun, engaging, and enriching summer experience.
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Please note: all 2026 program slots have been filled. This form is for families who are interested in securing information and updates for the Uplift Foundation 2027 program. This is not the official registration form. As we get closer to the start of the program, families who complete this interest form will receive registration details and next steps.
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Give your child a summer filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable experiences! Please submit a separate form for each child.
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We can’t wait to see our future Uplift Foundation 2027 students learn, grow, and thrive!
History
The CDF Freedom Schools® program began during the 1964 Mississippi Freedom Summer, providing Black children with safe, enriching education not available in public schools, including literacy, critical thinking, and Black history.
In 1995, the Children’s Defense Fund launched the modern program to expand access to high-quality summer learning. Today, Freedom Schools strengthen literacy, support social-emotional growth, and empower youth to become leaders in their communities.
Not New to This, but True to This
CDF Freedom Schools® is where learning comes to life. Since 1995, over 240,000 K–12 Scholars have embraced the CDF Freedom Schools adventure. Plus, we’ve trained more than 20,000 young adults and child advocates in our proven model. In 2025, we teamed up with 131 organizations, reaching over 11,500 children and youth across 186 program sites nationwide.
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