Beginning in 2021, the Student Freedom Initiative is launching a program that will offer eligible students at participating colleges and universities the option of having a portion of their educational expenses funded under an income-contingent funding arrangement known as a “Student Freedom Agreement,” which can serve as an alternative to high cost, fixed payment debt obligations. The program will also provide holistic support to students — including by providing access to internships, tutoring, mentoring and other educational and career support resources — as well as capacity building support for participating schools.
The Initiative’s efforts will initially be focused on junior and senior STEM majors at participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), though we hope to expand in the future.