Building on Elon University’s strengths in K-12 education outreach, college access and success programs, mentoring, and community engagement, Elon University became a Teagle Foundation “Knowledge for Freedom” partner in 2020 – 2021. In close alignment with Elon’s 2020-2030 strategic plan Boldly Elon, The Freedom Scholars prepares local Alamance-Burlington high school students from underserved populations for college, and mentors them to assume roles as active citizen-leaders in their communities.

Scholars participate in an intensive two-week residency in the summer before or at the end of their senior year of high school, as conditions dictate. Freedom Scholars work closely with Elon faculty, staff and tutors to explore the principles and concepts of freedom, citizenship and democracy advanced in ancient, modern and contemporary texts. They engage in critical conversations and craft oral and written arguments that respond to the assigned readings. Then, the cohort identifies challenges their local communities face and design service initiatives to which they apply the principles they have learned.

At the successful conclusion of their participation in the yearlong program, Freedom Scholars earn college credit and a small honorarium to help mitigate competing financial pressures enrolling in the program may impose should they not be able to contribute to their household incomes during the program.

Another benefit Freedom Scholars gain throughout the year is the development of a mentoring network they build and deepen in collaboration with local civic and industry leaders whose expertise in the Freedom Scholars’ areas of interest helps shape their understanding of some of the complex challenges they must address in their battles against the barriers holding back their communities’ progress. The Freedom Scholars cohort will meet regularly to develop their projects and continue their exploration of what it means to be actively engaged scholars and civic leaders.

Each cohort organizes and hosts “The Freedom Scholars Symposium” to culminate their yearlong experience. They will choose the plenary speaker to address a theme relevant to their collective work in the program, and invite peers, family members, teachers, and community members to hear their presentations. Among the broad range of attendees at the symposium are the incoming cohort of Freedom Scholars. The symposium acts as a bridging event between cohorts.

Through our joint goals and collaborative partnership, Elon University shares the Teagle Foundation’s mission of providing opportunities that engage students in “meaningful work, effective citizenship, and a fulfilling life.”