![Student-Freedom-Initiative-ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ The Student Freedom Initiative logo shows an illustration of a student in graduation dress with an arm raised holding a degree.](/images/default-source/student-freedom-initiative/student-freedom-initiative-logo.tmb-thumb160.png?sfvrsn=e5b5040e_1)
Student Freedom Initiative at ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ University
ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ University is one of 9 HBCUs to begin to offer Student Freedom Initiative’s programming in 2021. It was the vision of Robert F. Smith, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, to expand student opportunity beyond his transformative liberation gift to the Morehouse College graduating class of 2019. The problem Smith aimed to help solve is the devastating statistic that 60% of African American wealth is consumed by the servicing of student loan debt, which delays the accumulation of wealth and reinvestment in Black families and communities.
This innovative program, intended to be a perpetual engine of support for students, is offered to Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), with an initial emphasis on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The visionary program seeks to liberate students who possess the will to achieve excellence.
ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ University’s growing technology infrastructure and reputation for world-class STEM research faculty and education makes an excellent partner for Student Freedom Initiative. ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ’s President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack welcomed the program's opportunities, saying that the program’s offerings will aid the goals of the university as it takes the lead in prioritizing student success.
“It will also help remove concerns by students and parents regarding the financial challenges of pursuing a high-quality education,” Warmack said.
A single purpose nonprofit organization, Student Freedom Initiative (“SFI”) provides a catalyst for freedom in professional and life choices for students attending Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) by increasing their social and economic mobility using a student centric, evidence based, holistic, and collaborative approach
Student Freedom Initiative Partners
ÇÑ×ÓÊÓƵ students participating in the programming have access to benefits provided by Partners including financial, legal, analytics, and internship programs. Initiative partners include:
More About Student Freedom Initiative
Academic success and financial freedom is only part of our story. Find out more about what is all about.