912 Freedom School is a free program for young people ages 13-18  interested in creating more inclusive, just communities where everyone can thrive.  Through conversations, hands-on workshops, and fun! Participants (aka Freedom Fellows) develop relationships, knowledge, and skills to build their individual and collective power as young people in Savannah. 

The mission of 912 Freedom School is to be a joyful place where young people can build connections with one another, call attention to issues that they are passionate about and deepen their understanding of the world around them.  The idea for 912 Freedom School originated from young people in Deep Center’s Action Research Team (ART) and it continues to be co-designed and co-led by the young people in ART.  

912 Freedom School is a part of Deep Center’s youth Action Research Team (ART). The idea for 912 Freedom School originated from young people in ART’s 2020-2021 cohort.  Reflecting Deep Center’s belief in the power of arts and culture for healing-centered transformative justice, 912 Freedom School activities use arts-based practices and pedagogies for young people to tell their stories of “what is” — in a way that is valued and affirmed, creatively imagines what could be, and envisions how young people can work to bridge the gap between the two.  

Who Can Participate?

912 Freedom School is a movement-building political education institute for young people in Chatham County. For us to envision and create an equitable Savannah together, we are looking for young people who are:

  • Ages 13-18 and passionate about social justice and the creation of a more equitable society
  • Believers in the power of communities to create more equitable societies
  • Creative, deep, and innovative thinkers with a willingness to listen, learn, and unlearn (Note: This does NOT mean you have to be getting good grades in school.)
  • Knowledgeable about basic understandings of systems of oppression (racism, sexism, homophobia, etc.)
  • Committed to attending all days of programming with the intention of following through on tasks, duties, and responsibilities 
  • Freedom Fellows who complete all 5 days of Freedom School are eligible for a stipend of up to $150.

2026 Freedom School

Date: Monday, June 8th – Friday, June 12th

Location: TBD

The 2026 theme, Historians of Home: Exploring the stories that shape who we are and where we live, invites young people (ages 13–18) to explore the places, stories, and communities that make up Savannah.

Throughout the program, young people will explore questions such as:

  • What has it meant to be a young person in Savannah, now and then?
  • How do young people’s experiences of Savannah differ?
  • What is my family or lineage’s relationship to Savannah, and how does that history shape how I understand myself and my sense of Savannah as “home”?

912 Freedom School is free and open to any young person (ages 13-18) in Savannah-Chatham County interested in developing a more critical and complex understanding of the communities that call Savannah “home” and their own place within them.  

Participants will join a welcoming, creative, and non-judgmental space where curiosity is encouraged. Together, they will take on the role of explorers: practice seeing the familiar with new eyes, gather stories, and experiment with ways to document and interpret the world around them.

No special skills or prior experience are required.

 

Snacks and materials are provided. Stipends of up to $150 are available to support participation.

912 Freedom School Applications will open soon. Limited spaces are available.

Email writewithus@deepcenter.org or mel@deepcenter.org for more information.