Sankofa Summer 2025
Recognizing that our previous summer programs were not effectively reaching the young people we intended to support, we have shifted our focus toward Cultural Interventions, School-Wide Interventions, and the IBUILD program. In our continued commitment to inclusive and equitable support, we are proud to sponsor and serve as the fiscal sponsor for Sankofa Freedom School, a culturally rooted summer initiative led by Executive Director Crystal Turner. This partnership allows us to ensure that programming remains accessible, impactful, and aligned with the evolving needs of the communities we serve.
Sankofa Freedom School is inspired by the African principle of Sankofa—“go back and get it”—which teaches that we must understand and honor our past in order to shape a better future. The program integrates academic enrichment with cultural education, storytelling, and intergenerational learning to promote literacy, identity development, and leadership among youth. It creates an affirming and empowering space where students are encouraged to reflect, grow, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Across the country, Freedom School models have shown consistent results in improving literacy rates, boosting self-confidence, and increasing school engagement. Evaluations from similar programs have shown students gaining two to five reading levels over a single summer session, demonstrating the effectiveness of culturally responsive and community-centered education. Sankofa Summer 2025 is made possible through the support and collaboration of dedicated community partners who share a vision for youth empowerment and educational excellence:
By sponsoring and fiscally supporting this important work, we reinforce our commitment to programs that are transformative, culturally intentional, and deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Vertical Divider
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