Robert F. Smith launches NEW initiative to ease student debt at HBCUs

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Smith’s announcement comes amid a reckoning over systemic racism in the United States. In the wake of widespread protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, companies and business leaders have faced demands to take more meaningful action.

“We have systemic issues that are caused by systemic racism that need to be deconstructed,” Smith says, calling on corporate executives to do more than offer “perfunctory” donations “that are a mere drop in the bucket.”

“It is incumbent upon me to do my part to educate, awaken and enable all those who want to participate … in this moment of inflection,” he says.

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UPDATE 11/23/20


Student Freedom Initiative Announces Participating HBCUs For Fall 2021 Academic Year

Program will provide an alternative to high-cost college loans and empower students for success

November 23, 2020
WASHINGTON-The Student Freedom Initiative today announced the initial Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that will participate in its program.

The selected institutions include Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Prairie View A&M University, Tougaloo College, Tuskegee University, and Xavier University of Louisiana.

The Student Freedom Initiative will provide eligible students at the participating institutions with an income-contingent financing alternative to high cost, fixed payment debt obligations, along with holistic support services, including internships and mentoring. By helping students facing financial challenges avoid unmanageable debt obligations, the Student Freedom Initiative will enable students and their families to seek higher education without sacrificing their economic security or post-college career options.

“The Student Freedom Initiative is inspired by our common goal of liberating the human spirit by removing the systemic barriers that prevent students from maximizing their opportunities in life,” said founder Robert F. Smith. “By addressing the financial stress of college and providing students with resources and community, we can finally broaden the talent pipeline and create a more diverse and thriving economy.”

“We have assembled a great team of subject matter experts committed to the vision of removing barriers to professional and life choices for students,” said Keith B. Shoates, Executive Director of the Student Freedom Initiative. “Success will require collaboration, creativity, courage, and flexibility. We appreciate the hard work and due diligence, during the COVID-19 pandemic, by the HBCU leadership and their respective teams who worked with us over the last nine months to make this announcement possible. These HBCUs are ideal partners as we continue to build and refine a program that is student-centered, evidence-based, and holistic.”

“2020 has been a deeply challenging year, but also an inspiring one as we’ve seen educators, philanthropists, business leaders, and elected officials stand up to find solutions that have plagued our country for far too long,” said Michael Lomax, CEO of the United Negro College Fund. “The Student Freedom Initiative holds the promise to make a real difference in the lives of thousands of students, and across our communities.”

Each participating HBCU will work with the Student Freedom Initiative to help make its products and services available for juniors and seniors majoring in STEM beginning Fall 2021. The data and experiences from the initial HBCUs will then inform future growth and expansion to serve more students and colleges and universities.

 

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Student Freedom Initiative Inaugurates Launch at HBCU Campuses Across U.S.


Initiative is “open for business” for Fall 2021 semester at nine HBCU campuses, providing juniors and seniors pursuing STEM education with an alternative to fund their education

August 30, 2021
WASHINGTON--The Student Freedom Initiative today announced their official launch for the Fall 2021 semester across campuses of the initiative’s initial cohort of nine Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Initiative has begun dispersing funds through their Student Freedom Agreements to eligible applicants attending schools within its initial cohort, and has begun the process of upgrading mission-critical technology infrastructure at these institutions.

Initial participating institutions include Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Prairie View A&M University, Tougaloo College, Tuskegee University, and Xavier University of Louisiana

 

[Secure Da Bag]

Student Freedom Initiative Inaugurates Launch at HBCU Campuses Across U.S.


Initiative is “open for business” for Fall 2021 semester at nine HBCU campuses, providing juniors and seniors pursuing STEM education with an alternative to fund their education

August 30, 2021
WASHINGTON--The Student Freedom Initiative today announced their official launch for the Fall 2021 semester across campuses of the initiative’s initial cohort of nine Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Initiative has begun dispersing funds through their Student Freedom Agreements to eligible applicants attending schools within its initial cohort, and has begun the process of upgrading mission-critical technology infrastructure at these institutions.

Initial participating institutions include Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Prairie View A&M University, Tougaloo College, Tuskegee University, and Xavier University of Louisiana

Surprised Spelman and Clark aren't on that list.

 

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Surprised Spelman and Clark aren't on that list.

Clark is the second school on the list.

 

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Clark is the second school on the list.