VSU Freedom School accepts 50 middle school students. This is a Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School program. The focus will be on middle school age children and provide opportunities for students to increase their reading skills through culturally relevant instruction. This program also aims for families and community stakeholders to be engaged in civic action projects. The morning curriculum will be comprised of the culturally responsive Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC). The afternoon curriculum will be comprised of the STEM classes with a focus on the Southern Initiative Algebra Project (SIAP). Drawing from almost three decades of math literacy work and related research, the Southern Initiative Algebra Project. The VSU Freedom School encapsulates a comprehensive K-16 model of educational interventions.