Student Freedom Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that will launch its program at Tuskegee University and several other HBCUs in fall 2021. With an aim to be a catalyst for generational change, Student Freedom Initiative works with schools, students and its partners to lift up TU graduates.
“The Initiative will be specifically tailored to our students’ needs, giving them access to a host of new and interesting opportunities,” said interim Tuskegee President Dr. Charlotte Morris.
Student Freedom Initiative’s program has four main components to support students:
Through these programs, Student Freedom Initiative hopes to help students excel in their undergraduate degrees, as well as provide more opportunities for them to build robust career paths after graduation. It’s an evidence-based and student-centric program designed to make lasting, generational change for minority students.
While all Tuskegee students can participate in Student Freedom Initiative tutoring, mentoring, and internships as well as benefit from the capacity-building programs, the Student Freedom Agreement funding alternative is designed for juniors and seniors majoring in STEM programs. At Tuskegee, qualifying STEM majors include:
To be “Eligible” to apply for funding from the Student Freedom Agreement, your school must be a participant in the Student Freedom Initiative program, you need to have a valid Social Security Number (SSN), and you must meet all of the following criteria immediately prior to a disbursement (as determined and confirmed by your school):
Please note that you are ineligible if you are in the United States with a non-immigrant visa.
Please refer to the Student Freedom Initiative’s website for the latest information.
*Exception available if less than full-time coursework is required for degree completion in final year.
The Student Freedom Agreement is an income-contingent private educational loan funding alternative that is one part of Student Freedom Initiative’s programs. The Student Freedom Agreement is meant as an income-based repayment alternative to other debt obligations that could negatively impact a student’s career opportunities. Geared toward rising junior and senior STEM majors (by credit), the Student Freedom Agreement is not meant to replace other sources of state or federal funding, or scholarships and work-study programs. The Student Freedom Agreement is available to provide funds up to $20,000 per year (max $40,000 total funding) to cover a student’s educational expenses. You should always work with your financial aid advisor to see if the Student Freedom Agreement is right for your needs. Tuskegee University does not endorse Student Freedom Initiative's Income Contingent Alternative to Parent Plus and other private education loans product. Tuskegee University is not affiliated with Student Freedom Initiative.
The initial idea for the Student Freedom Initiative actually began at Morehouse College. Inspired by philanthropist and entrepreneur Robert F. Smith’s $34 million gift to pay off the student loan debt of the 2019 graduating class at Morehouse College. The idea grew to create lasting, generational change to ensure that student success could be fostered and student loan debt wasn’t impacting promising career paths.
The Student Freedom Initiative was initially funded by two major donations. Robert F. Smith, along with the Fund II Foundation, of which Smith is founding director and President, each donated $50 million in 2020. Using the $100 million endowment, Student Freedom Initiative has been able to launch and grow, with the support of a growing number of partner organizations, including:
The Initiative launched at nine HBCUs for the 2021-2022 academic year. As a nonprofit organization, Student Freedom Agreement repayments will feed back into funding additional students, creating a self-sustaining funding source for generations of students to follow.
| To learn more about Student Freedom Initiative, click here to visit the program’s website. |