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.

LEARN MORE

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

Sponsor

Want to support the work of Purdue CDF Freedom Schools at First Church? See sponsorship options here for more information. Please contact Dr. Breanya Hogue with any questions at bhogue@purdue.edu.

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