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Charlotte Prep has long invested in service opportunities. In September we raised funds for St. Jude's, and we've just finished up a successful spare change drive to benefit the Tunnels to Towers Foundation. Now, we turn our attention to a new service partnership, one we believe will complement ongoing efforts but will also provide new leadership opportunities and help us expand the scope of service at Prep.

We are pleased to announce that Charlotte Prep has joined the Freedom School Partners network.

Freedom School supports summer enrichment programs for students across Charlotte, serving families and children who do not have equitable access to resources and may face learning loss. This work is even more necessary as we see the impact COVID-19 has had on nationwide classroom attendance and learning. For more information, watch the Freedom School Partners intro video, and scan a helpful infographic about the organization's reach and impact.

Service
How can Charlotte Prep help? Freedom School operates monthly book and supply drives to sustain the summer program. We ask our community to bring in books or items specified each month, and if students or families are willing they may also provide monetary donations. Collection points are set up in each building and in numerous classrooms. We will work with Freedom School to schedule service time at their warehouse so that students and families may help to sort and package items collected.

Leadership
Our partnership, however, is focused not only on giving but also on leadership and character development. We are creating a second track of engagement for students to learn about why Freedom School exists and how they operate. Both are important lessons to help students learn about persistent community challenges, equity, and the practical nature of creating impact. Early next year we'll invite Freedom School leaders to visit with our students and families and discuss what it means to lead and how to execute a service mission.