Freedom Video Competition

Share Your Story

Express Your Journey

The FREEDOM Video Competition invites Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) students who are sophomores, juniors, and seniors – at participating institutions – to creatively express their journey in financing their college education. This unique competition Focuses on Reducing and Eliminating Educational Debt and Optimizing Mindfulness (FREEDOM) through a 3-5 minute documentary. Students are encouraged to explore and share how they found the Student Freedom Fund to finance their college education.

Enter Your Video in the 2025 FREEDOM Competition

Undergraduate STEM students at our participating institutions will answer the prompt question, “What made you consider the Student Freedom Fund (SFF) to finance your college education?” within a three to five-minute video. The video must also answer one of the sub-topics below:

Did you consult with your school’s faculty or staff to help decide how to fund your education?
Did you take out Federal Direct Loans?
Did you consider other lenders in your search?
If you considered private loans, how did the interest rate and terms compare to the Student Freedom Fund?
Have your parents applied for Parent PLUS Loans for your education this year or in previous years?

Submissions will be accepted from Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 11:59 pm EST, and are due no later than Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST.

“At SFI we know that financing a college education is a major decision for many families. We want to hear about their experiences so others can learn, be inspired by their journey, and be motivated to help us double the amount made available to these students.”

Keith B. Shoates, President & Chief Executive Officer, Student Freedom Initiative

Educational Impact

Your documentary will serve as a resourceful guide for future students, helping them navigate their educational financing options with greater understanding and confidence.

Monetary Awards

Three winners will be selected to receive a cash prize – 1st place $10,000, 2nd place $7,000, and 3rd place $3,500.

Creative Expression

A platform to creatively express and share your personal journey in financing your education.

Skill Development

Enhance your skills in storytelling, video production, and effective communication.

Recognition and Exposure

Opportunity for your journey to be recognized and displayed on a broader platform.

ELIGIBILITY

Entry Limit: One entry per individual. Multiple entries, including through different email addresses or identities, will lead to disqualification.
Video Specifications: 3-5 minute video that must mention the main topic question along with one subtopic question
Must be a Student Freedom Loan Agreement recipient
Must provide an unofficial transcript
Academic Level: Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors
Eligible Majors: Approved STEM majors.
Enrollment Status: Full Time at one of our participating schools
Academic Status: Undergraduate
GPA Requirement: Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (as defined by university)
Additional Requirements: If under 18, consent from parent/legal guardian is required; Must submit a complete W-9 form (for winners only)
International & Foreign Exchange Students are not eligible for this competition
Please note that if your video is found to include any copyright infringement, it will be disqualified.

Apply Now