Education > Overview
Realizing the void in civic education in the schools of America, in 1965 the Freedoms Foundation created its educational programs. The educational offerings of the Foundation serve to challenge the participants to explore what their role is as a citizen today and in the future. Thomas Jefferson wrote that the key to the success of America would be an informed and active citizenry. The programs of the Freedoms Foundation aim to achieve this goal.
History Workshops are designed to highlight the student’s American history curriculum. The Workshops take participants to important historical sites including Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Valley Forge, Ellis Island, and Washington Crossing; where the character and values of our nation were forged. The program features visits to these sites combined with review lessons and special presentations by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin; such presentations bring history to life for the student. Foundation personnel work closely with the classroom teacher to design a program, which meets each class’s individual needs. Many of the students are first generation Americans from inner cities. For students, this program is an opportunity of a lifetime. The program combines important civics and history lessons with opportunities fro personal growth as students experience a pre-college setting in the Foundation's Dorms.
Spirit of America Program is a four day conference centering on topics such as freedom, civil rights and civic responsibilities, citizenship, public policy, self-development and leadership, entrepreneurship and salient aspects of American history. Programs allow students to explore within themselves their interpersonal characteristics and leadership potential through leadership skills workshops, group skills activities, and discussions with fellow participants. Programs are designed to provide an opportunity for students to participate in discussions with authoritative and articulate representatives from government, industry, and the academic community.
Free Enterprise Institute is an innovative program designed to teach inner-city at risk youth the complexities and challenges of the Free Enterprise System. This week long residential program is designed to build character and self-esteem in a pre-selected student population. Removal of the students from their home environment allows the talented staff to work on issues of self-esteem and motivation, while empowering the student with an understanding of economics and civics. During the week, the students participate in lectures on the Free Enterprise System, marketing, business development, design and build their own corporation as well as participate in leadership, communication and teambuilding exercises.
School of Excellence- School of Excellence in Civics, Government & Community Service is presented for the best and the brightest students from the 5 county Philadelphia area. This one week program provides the students with the opportunity to study American political, historical, voting and citizenship trends that have relevance to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the nation. The program helps students to expand their political knowledge, and improve their analytical research, communication and leadership skills. Although designed for Pennsylvania, the program can be duplicated in other states.
Democracy in Action is a five day program designed for students from different countries to explore the intricacies of American Democracy and the Free Enterprise System. The program combines the best elements of the Foundation's traditional programs and the School of Excellence. Including site visits to Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C. Although initially designed for Russian and American students, the program can be duplicated for other countries. Programs have been developed for students from the Ukraine, Iraq and Poland.
Graduate Teacher Workshops empower the teacher to return to the classroom with a deeper understanding of our nation and history. Like their youth counterparts, Graduate Workshops bring history to life as the participant travels to significant sites in our nation’s history. Workshops vary from year to year, but include:
The American Revolution –Boston to Philadelphia
The American Revolution –Charlotte, NC to Washington, DC
The Civil War West – Jacksonville to Atlanta
The Civil War East – Richmond to Philadelphia
The Revolution in the Middle States –Delaware Valley
The Heritage of Our Past Presidents - Boston to New York
The programs are directed by noted historians who are able to provide vivid interpretation of the sights.
Graduate Seminars focus on current issues preparing the participant to return to their classroom with a renewed perspective on the issues and the ability to enrich curriculum with first hand knowledge of political theory and practical experience. In the past, seminar topics have included:
Terrorism
The American Presidency
The Judiciary
The Congress
Nearly 300 teachers, from all 50 states, each year take the fully accredited seminars and workshops. Freedoms Foundation’s educational programs for teachers have been accredited by many universities, including Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Loyola Marymount, and locally, Penn State and Immaculata University. Empowering those who teach the youth of America is a critical component of the Foundations educational philosophy.
One Day Seminars were created in response to the demand and popularity of the week long programs, the Foundation has designed one day programs on current topics. These programs include one day seminars on terrorism, politics or current issues of citizenship. These Programs can be held on campus or off sight.
Medal of Honor Adventure emphasizes leadership, patriotism and courage by impressing upon the minds of the nation’s youth the tenets of responsible citizenship. Participating scouts perform service work in the Foundation’s 52-acre Medal of Honor Grove, attend workshops, organize council fires and tour Valley Forge National Historical Park. The participants’ knowledge and understanding of the Medal of Honor is enhanced by opportunities to meet and talk with Medal of Honor recipients in various settings. The Program is open to Star, Life, Eagle and Venturing Scouts.
Price of Freedom Conference designed to challenge the participants to understand the price paid for the freedoms we enjoy, the participants interact with experts on current issues of citizenship, patriotism, leadership and heroism. In addition, participants have the opportunity to make history come to life as they tour Valley Forge and Colonial Philadelphia. This program is exclusively designed for Eagle or Venturing Scouts who have earned the Silver Award.
