Building literacy, leadership, & belonging in Rochester

Freedom Scholars Learning Center partners with children and families in communities under pressure to grow confident readers, leaders, and change-makers through culturally grounded learning.

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Four children sitting around a table reading and discussing books in a classroom.

Rooted in community, built for young readers

Freedom Scholars Learning Center strengthens young readers through culturally affirming programs that build confidence and belonging.

Who we are

Freedom Scholars Learning Center is a Rochester-based organization serving children and families.

What we do

We run afterschool and summer programs centered on reading, culture, mentorship, and leadership.

Two smiling boys gardening outdoors, one with hands in soil and the other making a hand gesture behind green plants.
Pillars

How we work

Three core commitments guide everything we do

Three children sitting on a colorful alphabet rug reading and discussing a picture book together.
First

Literacy and learning

We strengthen reading skills through culturally reflective texts and evidence-based instruction.

Collage of twelve illustrated children's book covers featuring diverse characters and themes, including titles like 'Grandma, I don't want to go to sleep,' 'Crown,' and 'We March.'
Second

Culture and identity

Our programs affirm scholars' histories, identities, and lived experiences as sources of power.

Children and an adult gardening outdoors on a sunny day, with one child smiling wearing an orange safety vest.
Third

Leadership and social action

Scholars grow as leaders through mentorship, service, and opportunities to practice responsibility.

A young girl reads from a notebook while an adult woman stands beside her, looking at the notebook in a classroom setting.
Method

Learning that roots itself in relationship

At FSLC, we believe learning happens best when scholars sit alongside caring adults, peers, and family members in spaces that feel safe and alive. We weave literacy instruction with mentorship, family engagement, and real community partnerships because the whole child matters—not just test scores.

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Outcomes

Scholars grow when given time and space

Mid-year data from our WORD R.I.C.H. program shows what happens when we invest in young readers. The numbers tell the story. The scholars tell it better.

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View impact
93%

Reading fluency gains

81%

Scholar retention rate

174

One-to-one sessions delivered

15%

Attendance growth year-over-year

Freedom Scholars is not only a program, it has become family.

The leaders and staff of the program welcomed us with open arms. Everyone is just amazing and the communication for us parents is top tier. Parent night has also given us knowledge and the platform to speak to other parents and engage together.

This is important as it takes a village to raise kids. We are delighted to call the Freedom Scholar program home.

Mr. & Mrs. Wightman
Proud parents of a level 2 scholar

Want to support literacy, families, and community?

Get involved with Freedom Scholars Learning Center.

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