The Freedom Writers Institute is a 5-day seminar led by Erin Gruwell, with support from the original Freedom Writers, in Long Beach, California. 

How Does the Program Work?

The Foundation offers several training sessions each year, with 20 - 25 participants at each session.  The Institute is a competitive program; to apply, educators must provide information regarding their students, school, and teaching experience.  Each applicant is reviewed by the Foundation's Educational Advisory Board and carefully selected so that each session is diversified by region, teaching level and experience.  Much like Room 203, each session will represent an eclectic microcosm that reflects classrooms nationwide.

Educators, including teachers, administrators, coaches, and social workers, interested in applying to the program can contact the foundation directly at freedomwritersfoundation.org.  Sponsors interested in supporting a teacher in their community can contact the foundation at

Application and Acceptance Process

• Candidate submits application
• Application is reviewed by the Freedom Writers Foundation
• Candidate is assessed by the Educational Advisory Board
• If accepted, applicant receives a welcome packet and is assigned a program liaison from the Freedom Writers Foundation
• Applicants who are not accepted may be reconsidered for the next year's sessions

Institute Training in Long Beach

• Pre-evaluation (administered several weeks prior to the training seminar)
• Day 1 - Opening reception and orientation
  • Participants are provided with the following materials:
    • 1 DVD and 1 VHS copy of ABC's Primetime Live, "Freedom Writers" program with Connie Chung
    • Workshop materials and supplies
    • Access to our online Freedom Writer Teacher Network
    • One-on-one support from the Freedom Writers Foundation
    • A copy of The Freedom Writers Diary: Teacher's Guide
• Day 2 - Engage Activities
• Day 3 - Enlighten Activities
• Day 4 - Empower Activities
• Day 5 - Empower
• Post-evaluation (administered following the training seminar)

Professional Development and Support Provided Throughout the Year

• Participants will have access to the Foundation's online Freedom Writers Teacher Network, including a message board and blog, which will be re-launched in December 2007
• Foundation will collaborate with Institute participants to create benchmarks and ways of tracking classroom success
• Foundation will organize a summit for all Freedom Writer Teachers
  • Two days of workshops and panels with peers
  • Improve methods

What happens at the end of the academic year?

• Culminating projects are completed
• Student assessment and tracking:
  • Test score and grade evaluation
  • High school graduation plan
  • College plan
  • Career plan

Who do we partner with to make this happen?

The Freedom Writers Foundation works with the following organization to provide excellent training and resources to participants in the Institute in Long Beach:

• Freedom Writers Foundation Board of Directors and Educational Advisory Board
• California State University, Long Beach
• Museum of Tolerance
• Paramount Pictures
• Corporations
• Foundations
• Private donors
• In-kind donors
• School districts

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