The Assistant Director for Civic Engagement & Director of Freedom Schools is a full-time, 12 month Student Life professional within the Davidson College Center for Civic Engagement. The Assistant Director plays a central role in coordinating events and programs in the center including a semi-annual granting program and collaborative programming across the division that focuses on the intersection of civic engagement and social justice issues.
From May – August, the Assistant Director coordinates the Freedom Schools program at Davidson. Developed by the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), the program provides summer enrichment experiences for 50 youth in grades k-8. The program fosters a love of reading, increased self-esteem, and positive attitudes towards learning. Each year, six Davidson students receive training to serve as servant leader interns for the program, which is grounded in a model curriculum that includes five essential components: high quality academic enrichment; parent and family involvement; civic engagement and social action; Intergenerational leadership development; and nutrition, health and mental health.
Furthermore, the Assistant Director serves as the primary point person for social media and works with the Center for Civic Engagement team to advise service related student organizations and sustain related partnerships with nonprofit partners.