First United Methodist Church proudly serves as the host site for the Purdue CDF Freedom School Program, a transformative six-week, literacy-based summer initiative catering to students in grades K-5. Rooted in our commitment to supporting educational endeavors within our community and extending warm embrace to individuals across all walks of life, our church enthusiastically welcomes this program.
The Purdue CDF Freedom School offers a curriculum that celebrates diversity and promotes a love for reading and learning. The mornings are dedicated to a comprehensive integrated reading curriculum, while afternoons are enriched with STEM engagement, field trips, and social action activities, instilling a holistic approach to education.
Central to the Freedom School’s success are our dedicated college-aged mentors and community volunteers ages 16 and up who guide and inspire our scholars in classrooms with a 1:10 teacher to student ratio. By providing a supportive and enriching environment, we empower our scholars to thrive academically and personally.
Moreover, we extend our efforts beyond the classroom by actively involving parents in their child’s educational journey through tailored empowerment sessions and various volunteer opportunities throughout the program.
Through our partnership with the Purdue CDF Freedom School Program, First United Methodist Church remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a community where education flourishes, and every individual feels valued, respected, and loved.
Summer 2024 Program
Where: First United Methodist Church of West Lafayette
When: June 17 through July 26 (Closed July 4-5)
Time: 8:00 am-3:00 pm
Cost: No cost. Students will be provided with a free breakfast, lunch, and snack during each day.
Mandatory Family/Parent Meetings are every Wednesday from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm. There will be a mandatory Family & Scholar Orientation date in June (TBA) prior to the start of the program.
Summer 2024 Enrollment Interest form is now available!
Download > ENROLLMENT INTEREST FORM
Volunteer
Purdue CDF Freedom School and First United Methodist Church welcome volunteers aged 16 and up, as well as younger helpers when accompanied by a parent or guardian. To learn more about Purdue CDF Freedom School volunteer opportunities, such as becoming a Read Aloud guest during morning sessions, click here.
If you have any questions about volunteering, please email PurdueFreedomSchools@purdue.edu or Pastor Duane dcarlisle@fumcwl.org
Purdue CDF Freedom School Staff
Duane Carlisle
Executive Director, Purdue CDF Freedom School Program, Lead Pastor of First United Methodist Church
Contact: dcarlisle@fumcwl.org
Breanya Hogue
Founder, Purdue CDF Freedom School Program
Assistant Professor of Literacy and Language Education,
Purdue University College of Education
Contact: bhogue@purdue.edu
Dr. Christy Wessel-Powell
Center Director, Center for Literacy and Language Education and Research (CL2EAR),
Assistant Professor of Literacy and Language Education, Purdue University College of Education
Contact: cwesselp@purdue.edu