California Freedom Summer Participatory-Action Research Project
As low-income, immigrant, and racially diverse communities experience multiple threats and hardships, it is critical to equip young people with the skills and tools to take civic actions that advance their collective self-determination and safeguard democratic institutions. To this end, the California Freedom Summer (CFS) Participatory-Action Research Project trains University of California, community college, and high school students in research and civic engagement. Through a participatory action research model, CFS guides students in examining youths' multilayered concerns and conducting broad-based, nonpartisan civic action in their communities. Aiming to promote narratives that encourage civic engagement and well-being, youths’ participatory action research is attentive to evolving gender dynamics among their peers. CFS builds on the initial success of the 2018 Central Valley Freedom Summer project, which contributed to a 262 percent increase in voter turnout among 18 to 24-year-olds in the Central Valley.
In partnership with university-community organizations in regions most affected by social inequities, students serve as interns and action researchers. By integrating academic coursework with hands-on experience, CFS equips young leaders with the skills and civic knowledge to drive change that prioritizes their communities' needs.
Inspired by the 1964 Freedom Summer, which mobilized college students in collaboration with grassroots organizers to expand Black voter registration in the South and modeled after successful UC-based internship and research programs, CFS is an investment in the local leadership of underserved communities. See related materials below to learn more about CFS program components.
The CSRC is in conversation with scholars and community partners about expanding CFS to the Southwest in 2026. See related materials below to learn more about Southwest Freedom Summer.
To learn more about the California Freedom Summer project, visit https://csrccommunityengagedresearch.org
To make a donation to the California Freedom Summer project, visit the Give to UCLA site.
