The CDF Freedom Schools® program originated during the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project of 1964, where college students nationwide advocated for justice and voting rights for Black citizens. These schools provided Black children with rich educational experiences in reading, writing, humanities, mathematics, science, Black history, and constitutional rights, promoting independent thinking and problem-solving. In 1995, CDF launched the first two Freedom Schools to address summer literacy needs for children without access to quality programs. BLAQUE KC partners with The Children’s Defense Fund to offer a six-week, research-based, multicultural literacy program for elementary students, taught by college students. This program aims to prevent the "summer slide" in reading skills, foster a love for reading, and develop future teachers and leaders. It emphasizes high-quality academic enrichment, character-building, parent and family involvement, civic engagement, and social action.

The Show Me MO Leaders initiative is a comprehensive seven-month governance fellowship designed specifically for elected school board members. The primary aim of the fellowship is to equip school board members with the essential skills and competencies required to enhance student outcomes through focused and disciplined leadership. Sessions include: The Role of Policy in Governing a School District: Understanding the importance of policy in school district governance and balancing policy-making with administrative responsibilities. District Accountability and Missouri Performance Framework: Learning about the Missouri Performance Framework, analyzing performance data, and developing strategies to improve district performance. Superintendent Evaluation and Hiring Best Practices: Evaluating best practices for evaluating superintendents and effective hiring processes. Partnerships and Advocacy: Developing strategic partnerships and leveraging advocacy techniques to support educational policies.

A lack of reflective leadership in politics can hinder desired changes in schools. We offer educational leadership trainings for aspiring candidates, campaign staff, and education advocates to understand what it takes to run a successful campaign and build long-term community power. The program provides resources for local education leaders in two tracks: candidates and campaign managers/operatives. Both tracks will learn how to increase political participation and impact, guided by top local and national facilitators. This unique experience is offered at no cost to participants.

B4KC are mini-campaigns focused on the issues the community wants to amplify, advocate, and mobilize around, ensuring policy decision are made in the best interest of students and community. Our most recent B4KC campaign addressed the economic impact of school closures on student achievement and urban community wealth, resulting in a redesigned school closure plan for public schools.

The New School Board Member Bootcamp by BLAQUE KC is designed to support newly elected board members passionate about reforming low-performing school districts but may lack the experience in school board governance. This bootcamp provides an onboarding training program that equips participants with critical skills needed to govern effectively and with fidelity. Training Sessions include: Understanding Superintendent and Union Contracts: Gain insights into the intricacies of superintendent and union contracts to make informed decisions. District Budgets: Learn how to navigate and manage district budgets to ensure financial stability and resource allocation. Best Practices in Governance: Explore effective governance strategies to enhance board effectiveness and district performance. Robert's Rules of Order and the Parliamentary Process: Master Robert's Rules of Order and parliamentary procedures to conduct orderly and productive meetings. Using Policy as a Tool for Improving Accountability and Student Outcomes: Learn how to develop and implement policies that drive accountability and improve student outcomes.

The BLAQUE Vote Fellowship is a 9-month civic engagement program for college students on local college campuses. BLAQUE KC believes in the power of voting and aims to empower young people to actively participate in democracy. The fellowship demystifies the voting process and promotes legislative understanding through hands-on learning, community engagement, and direct involvement in advocacy. Students will undertake real-world learning tasks to apply their knowledge. For instance, after learning about local government structures, they will attend relevant meetings, identify issues affecting them, and communicate with elected representatives. Sessions include: UniversiTEA Politics: Explore political engagement on college campuses and the role of young people in shaping political discourse. Understanding National, State, and Local Systems of Government: Gain insights into the structure and functions of different levels of government. Unpacking the Legislative Process: Learn about how laws are made and the intricacies of the legislative process. Voter Education and ID Requirements: Understand the requirements and processes for voter registration and identification. Organizing Movements: Develop skills in organizing advocacy movements and community outreach efforts. Crafting Policy for Change: Learn how to create and advocate for policies that drive meaningful change.

BLAQUE KC's Charter School Board Draft is a pioneering initiative designed to recruit, train, and support individuals committed to serving on charter school boards. Modeled after the NFL Draft, this program aims to enhance the governance and leadership of charter schools, ensuring they provide high-quality education and equitable opportunities for all students. Program Features: Governance Training: Equip participants with the knowledge and skills to govern charter schools effectively. This includes understanding the roles and responsibilities of board members, legal and ethical considerations, and best practices in school governance. Policy and Strategic Planning: Teach participants how to develop and implement policies that drive school improvement and strategic planning techniques to set and achieve long-term goals. Financial Oversight: Provide training on financial management and oversight, ensuring participants can competently review budgets, understand financial statements, and ensure fiscal responsibility. Accountability and Evaluation: Train participants on accountability measures, including how to evaluate school performance, assess the effectiveness of school leadership, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.