Pioneer Valley Project logo

This task force aimed to find solutions that address gaps in education that secure their future success. They chose to grant funds to Pioneer Valley Project and PVP Youth Voices United for their first ever Summer Freedom School. This seven-week, experiential program is modeled after the Freedom Schools of Mississippi in the 1960’s. The program will engage participants to create a shared social analysis with historical context to increase their understanding of political and economic structures which perpetuate oppression in the community and beyond.

How it works:

  • Participants will meet twice weekly
  • Program will use popular education approaches to engage participants in creating shared social analysis with an understanding of historical context, including some of their own experiences as migrants and refugees.
  • Participants will have opportunities to learn how political and policy decisions get made, understand local political structures and how to impact these structures, engage directly with elected officials and generate new materials, both print and social media to engage more youth in civic participation and social change work in Springfield.
  • Participants will meet with local youth and adults who have been and/or are currently involved in work to create social change.