The Meridian Freedom Project
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Education is the Seed of Freedom
The Meridian Freedom Project is a seven-year commitment to excellence. For four summers beginning before sixth grade and for seven academic years, students engage in programing that expands their minds, their bodies, and their aspirations. For each Freedom Fellow, this journey is about empowerment to become leaders with choices for the future. Through educational travel opportunities, college preparation, ACT prep, character development, and world history lessons, The Freedom Project builds hope for a successful future.
The Meridian Freedom Project, an educational consultant, was founded in 2013 by the late Dr. Bill Scaggs, Flo Bradley, and Amy Elliott as an extension of the Sunflower County Freedom Project. MFP began working with 6th and 7th grade children in the summer of 2014. They have provided services for 6th – 12th grade students in Lauderdale County for seven years and counting. MFP is unique because they offer programming that no other organization in or around this area offers for the children and families that they serve. Their programming is based on their mission and their goals of supporting the school districts, students, and their families.
Before joining the Freedom Project, students and parents must sign a Commitment to LEAD in which they pledge to uphold the four LEAD principles that underlie all Freedom Project activities: Love, Education, Action, and Discipline. These principles apply to the organization’s staff and leadership as well.
Freedom Summer is where it all begins. They bring in top college students from across the country to 
lead the students for eight weeks in reading, writing, math, the arts, physical fitness, leadership, educational travel, and of course, lots of downright fun. The MFP just completed a five-month community service-learning project centered around planting gardens in food deserts around Lauderdale County. They were able to provide the community members in these areas with fresh produce, free to them and free to harvest.
“The MFP takes eight trips annually exposing our Freedom Fellows to colleges and universities, museums and exhibits, educational institutions, and lots of fun activities,” says Adrian L. Cross, Executive Director. “During the summer we take grade specific trips around the Southeast and end our summer programming with a weeklong college immersion week at Mississippi State University – Starkville. One of our students said because of our program, they were able to graduate from high school on time and attend the college of their choice. They are now a part of our Alumni College Success Program which gives them extra support during their first four years of college.”
“I am a Meridian, MS native and I believe in giving back to the community that gave so much to me. I am a product of the Meridian Public and Lauderdale County School districts and believe that our children deserve the best of all things, especially programming. I believe in education and helping others attain their goals to better their lives and chances for success. This city is a great place for all those reasons. We are a member of the chamber because I believe in the benefits of collaborations. By being under the umbrella of The Montgomery Institute, we have been able to become a member of this great organization and expand our collaborative opportunities,” she adds.
The Meridian Freedom Project is always looking for speakers to address their students, the Freedom Fellows, and tell them about their career fields and the education needed. Contact them today to learn more about how you can impact the Meridian Freedom Project.
Meridian Freedom Project
725 Front Street Ext., Meridian, MS