01 / IDENTITY
Know who you are.
Explore ancestry, culture, and the stories that shape a healthy sense of self and belonging.
Rooted in history. Growing future leaders.
Know your story.
Own your voice.
Shape the future.
A different kind of summer learning experience—where Black history comes alive, identity is celebrated, and young people discover the power of their own stories.
BLACK HISTORY. BLACK VOICES. BLACK TRUTH.
Why we exist
More than a history lesson. A legacy passed forward.
Freedom School introduces young people to the experiences of the Black diaspora rarely represented in textbooks. Our central goal is to help students develop healthy racial identities, find their unique voices, and build a lasting connection to Black history and culture.
Through culturally connected instruction, we aim to strengthen engagement, literacy, achievement, and positive attitudes toward learning. Students explore creativity and achievement, resistance and resilience, activism and joy—and discover that their own voices matter in the chapters still being written.
02 / COMMUNITY
Find your people.
Build friendships, practice collaboration, and learn from educators, artists, historians, and elders.
03 / LEADERSHIP & CIVICS
Use your voice.
Understand rights, responsibilities, and how communities make decisions. Ask bold questions, practice leadership, and use your voice to make a difference.
Learning beyond the classroom
History you can feel. Stories you can carry.
From spirited discussions and creative workshops to exploring the legacy of Greenwood in Tulsa, our scholars connect yesterday's stories to today's world.
Our days combine civics education, leadership development, hands-on projects, cultural enrichment, community-building, and guest educators. Field experiences make history come alive—connecting the places students visit with the people and decisions that shaped them.
75Student enrollments across
three summers · 2024–2026
three summers · 2024–2026
3Summers offered free to students
2024–2026
2024–2026
Freedom School in pictures
More moments from Freedom School
What families are telling us
The learning goes home.
Parents describe students bringing history into family conversations, preparing thoughtful arguments, and finding space to learn with confidence.
100%
Survey respondents rated both their student’s overall experience and sense of belonging 5 out of 5.
These results reflect responding 2026 families, rather than all enrolled students.
“They were encouraged, uplifted, and learned all while having fun. This was such a unique opportunity, and we are so thankful for it.”
“I would change nothing about the program—please accept my younger son next year because I want him to have this experience!”
“She was so excited to learn. You all imparted so much knowledge and gave her a greater sense of confidence too!”
Looking ahead
Freedom School 2027
We're growing! Our next chapter will continue serving seventh and eighth graders, with a tentative expansion to ninth grade depending on funding.
7th Grade
Discover roots, identity, community history, and the legacy of emancipation.
8th Grade
Explore Black entrepreneurship, resilience, and the powerful history of Greenwood and Black Wall Street.
9th Grade · Tentative
Our proposed expansion would introduce leadership, Black educational excellence, and the HBCU experience. Adding ninth grade depends on meeting our fundraising goals.
Dates, location, and application details will be announced as we get closer to spring 2027. Check the announcements section for the latest information. Field study plans are subject to confirmation.
2027 announcements ↗Our history belongs in the story. Our children deserve to know it.
BLACK HISTORY. BLACK VOICES. BLACK TRUTH.
Good questions. Clear answers.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Freedom School for?
Our 2027 program is being planned for students entering seventh and eighth grades, with a tentative expansion to ninth grade dependent on fundraising. Previous cohorts served students in Collin County. Updated eligibility details will be shared with the 2027 application.
What do students learn?
Scholars explore African and African American history, cultural identity, the Black diaspora, civics education, leadership, and the connections between history and life today. Activities include discussions, research, creative projects, guest speakers, and cultural enrichment.
Is Freedom School just classroom instruction?
Not at all. Students participate in hands-on activities, collaborative learning, artistic experiences, and field studies. Our Tulsa/Greenwood experience has been a signature part of the program.
How do I apply for 2027?
Students must complete an application process to be considered for enrollment. Class sizes are limited so we can provide an engaging, supportive learning experience. Application dates and instructions for 2027 will be posted here once finalized. Sign up for updates to stay informed.
When is Freedom School?
Freedom School typically takes place in July. Dates for summer 2027 will be announced once our schedule and program arrangements are confirmed.
Is there a cost to attend?
Freedom School has been free to students for all three years, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. We are working to keep the program free in 2027 and will share details as spring 2027 approaches.
Is there a limit on enrollment?
Yes. Class sizes are limited. If demand exceeds available spaces, we will create a waiting list.
Who teaches and presents at Freedom School?
Our staff and presenters are experts in their fields, bringing knowledge and experience that enrich students’ learning.
How does Freedom School prioritize student safety?
Student safety is our highest priority. Freedom School conducts background checks on staff, and all staff and presenters receive risk management training. Additional safety procedures and expectations will be shared during the application process and at the required parent or guardian orientation.
Is Freedom School a nonprofit, and are donation receipts available?
Yes. Freedom School is a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. We are happy to provide donation receipts for your records and tax purposes.
Do families attend orientation?
Yes. Parent or guardian orientation is a required part of the program, helping families understand expectations, schedules, and field experiences.
How can I support Freedom School?
We welcome interest from donors, sponsors, guest speakers, volunteers, educators, and community partners. Opportunities and contact details will be shared here as plans are finalized.
Built by—and for—our community
A growing program.
A community that believes.
Families, educators, sponsors, and community partners help make Freedom School possible. As we prepare for 2027, we welcome people and organizations ready to contribute their time, expertise, resources, and support.
Explore the opportunities below to volunteer, share your knowledge as a guest speaker, become a Friend of Freedom School, or support the next summer through a donation or sponsorship.
Bring what you know. Share what you can.
Be part of Freedom School.
Be a guest speaker
Bring history, culture, civic life, the arts, or your professional experience into the classroom. Help students connect what they learn with the world around them.
Volunteer with us
Contribute your time and talents to support a welcoming, engaging learning experience for our scholars.
Become a Friend of Freedom School
Support the children of our community through ongoing monthly giving. Members receive exclusive access to events and updates.
Invest in the next chapter
Help make another summer possible.
Your support can help provide learning materials, cultural enrichment, meals, transportation, and field experiences that bring Black history to life.
Donate or become a sponsor
Freedom School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are happy to provide donation receipts for your records and tax purposes.
Sponsorship levels will be released in the coming weeks.
Opportunities for individuals, businesses, churches, and community organizations will be shared here.
About Us · Our roots
A longtime dream.
A community’s answer.
For years, Sherasa Thomas dreamed of creating a Freedom School. Through her reading about the Civil Rights Movement, she learned how Freedom Schools helped educate and prepare young activists. With a degree in history and a lifelong love of Black history, she carried that idea with her.
Years later, a conversation with June Jenkins, president of the Collin County NAACP, gave that dream a purpose close to home. Sherasa was serving as second vice president and Political Action Chair. June shared a troubling pattern: the largest share of education-related racial incidents reported to the branch involved white students using the N-word to hurt their Black peers in predominantly white schools.
The two agreed that schools needed stronger responses to racial harassment. But Black students also needed something immediately: a place to strengthen their identities, affirm their worth, and know that they were never second-class citizens. They needed to hear—and experience—that Blackness is a source of pride, belonging, and strength.
June suggested a Freedom School to teach Black history. Sherasa embraced the opportunity to turn a longtime dream into a learning experience for local students.
In the summer of 2024, the first Freedom School cohort launched with 24 students.
Across three summers, the program recorded 75 student enrollments. Today, Freedom School is an independent nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, carrying that founding purpose into its next chapter.
Rooted in the Freedom School tradition of the Civil Rights Movement, our program carries forward an enduring belief: young people deserve to know their history, affirm their identity, and recognize their power to shape the future.
About Us · 2026 Staff
The people behind the learning.
Sherasa Thomas
Freedom School Director
June Jenkins
Fund Development
Collin County NAACP President
Dr. Elizabeth (Ann) Bargains
Program Administrator
Dr. Zharia Thomas
Program Administrator
Dr. Christopher S. Hunter
Instructor
Amber Price
Instructor
Justin Eberhardt
Instructor
Pam Hunter
Operations Manager
Chloe Berry
Senior Volunteer
About Us · Board Members
Guiding the next chapter.
Our board is taking shape. Member introductions will be shared here as appointments are finalized.
With gratitude
Community support.
Lasting possibility.
Thank you to our top-tier sponsors who have supported Freedom School at various points over the past three years.
- Future Leaders Foundation
- Collin County Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Alpha Iota Iota Chapter
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. - Frisco Chapter
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. - Affinity Dermatology
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Hill Chapel CME Church
- Pure Social Restaurant
- Collin County NAACP
- Credit Union of Texas
We are grateful for the donors, educators, volunteers, families, and community partners who have helped carry this work forward.