Atlanta-based Freedom University provides alternative education for undocumented students; Two Black male educators on a mission to recruit others into the field

On today’s edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott," we continue our weeklong series, “FAILING GRADE: Analysis of America's Public Education Crisis.”

The series explores the current state of public education in Georgia and across the nation, from pre-K to higher-ed.

On day four of the series, we continue with our interview from visiting Pass Pod. The founder of the South Atlanta micro-school talks about the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act and how she views her school as a modern-day freedom school, a place where Black children can learn about Black culture and contributions.

Rose then talks with guests associated with the Atlanta-based Freedom University about educating undocumented students in Georgia with a pathway to higher education, while also organizing students as activists to repeal certain immigration policies. We will also air WABE education reporter Juma Sei’s latest feature that spotlights how Marietta City Schools is working to improve literacy rates by changing how students learn to read. Lastly, two local educators discuss the national Black male teacher shortage.

Guests include:

April Jackson, the founder of Pass Pod school and the co-founder of Black MicroSchools ATL

Julius Cave, the program manager for The Literacy Lab’s Leading Men Fellowship in Atlanta

Zachary White, a senior fellow for the Leading Men Fellowship in Atlanta

Jabari Cain, an associate professor in the Bagwell College of Education and the director of the Call Me MISTER program at Kennesaw State

Dr. Laura Emiko Soltis, executive director and professor of human rights at Freedom University

Nayelly, an undocumented student, Freedom University alumna and a current student at Emory University

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