Purdue University and First United Methodist Church (FUMC) joined forces in a unique collaboration this summer to bring West Lafayette its first-ever Freedom School program. Led by Breanya Hogue, Assistant Professor of Language Education at Purdue and Co-Executive Director of the Purdue Freedom School, this transformative initiative held the potential to profoundly impact the lives of local children and families. Sharing the Co-Executive Director position is Pastor Duane Carlyle of FUMC, solidifying a strong partnership between the university and the church to uplift the community.
The history of Freedom Schools in the United States dates back to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. These schools were created as alternative educational institutions to empower African American children and adults who faced racial segregation and limited resources. Guided by the principles of critical pedagogy, Freedom Schools emphasized student-centered learning, African American history and culture, and civic engagement. Today, these schools persist in their dedication to educational equity, cultural empowerment, and social justice, providing ongoing support and uplifting students in their educational pursuits.
“I was trained in the Freedom School program during my undergraduate career and it was instrumental to the type of teacher I became,” says Breanya. “Starting the Purdue Freedom School is a way for me to pay forward the transformative experiences I received and offer my students strong opportunities to connect with their community and drive purposeful change.”
Breanya’s journey to establish the Purdue Freedom School at FUMC began when she joined Purdue University as a faculty member in January 2023. In search of a suitable location, she connected with Eleanor Robbins, a congregant who referred her to Pastor Duane. His support and enthusiasm was evident from the start.
“Pastor Duane has been 100% on board since day one,” Breanya shares. “He said, ‘Yes, our church wants to be involved. We have the classroom space. We have the materials. We support it!'” The collaboration between the university and the church has been seamless, with both parties collaborating to secure grants and ensure the program’s long-term sustainability beyond the initial summer.
The Purdue Freedom School program started on June 7 with 30 participating families. Its goal was to involve not only students but also the congregation and Greater Lafayette community through weekly parent meetings, volunteer training, and community workshops. With careful planning and resource management, including organizing weekly field trips and selecting college interns, the Purdue Freedom School was well-positioned to make a meaningful impact.
“The Purdue Freedom School will not only benefit the families we serve, but also empower college-age students to give back to their community and develop leadership skills,” says Breanya. “It will also provide our aspiring educators field experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting.”
The collaboration between Purdue University and FUMC is not only a testament to the power of community partnerships but also a unique opportunity for transformative research. Through culturally responsive teaching and evaluation of the program’s impact, the initiative aims to address the literacy crisis faced by children nationwide, exacerbated by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Literacy is a pressing concern right now,” says Breanya. The books we provide in Purdue Freedom School address important issues and represent diverse people, allowing the children to engage in age-appropriate discussions and activities that will not only set them up for success in the next school year but also equip them for the realities of our world.”
The Purdue Freedom School is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in the West Lafayette community. By instilling a love for reading, promoting cultural diversity, and fostering a sense of community, this collaborative effort promises to create a brighter future for all involved.
“As I think about where the program is headed, I hope to expand the Purdue Freedom School and partner with additional organizations in West Lafayette and beyond,” says Breanya. Together, we can provide educational enrichment opportunities to even more children in need, ensuring they have access to the transformative experiences they deserve.”
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