Freedom Scholars

Hilton Kelly, dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, delivered the keynote address at an annual symposium for Alamance County high school seniors participating in an Elon University college access and civic engagement initiative.

Elon University is featuring a variety of photos every month to highlight the exceptional learning, work and activities of students, faculty and staff.

The Elon Freedom Scholars is one of several university college access programs, launched in 2022. This year, the program welcomed its third and largest cohort.

The Elon Freedom Scholars welcomes its third and largest class as they begin a new year focused on college preparation, career exploration and civic learning and engagement.

The Elon Freedom Scholars is one of several university college access programs, launched in 2022. This summer, the second cohort of the program celebrated their civic engagement research and initiatives at their annual Symposium, inspired to find their purpose and better their communities.

Twelve ABSS high school graduates were recognized during the symposium on Sunday, June 11.

The first 14 Elon Freedom Scholars completed a two-week summer residential program July 1 focused on the study of democracy, leadership and social action. They will continue working with Elon faculty and undergraduates and community leaders throughout their senior year of high school.

Fifteen rising high school seniors from Alamance-Burlington School System will begin the yearlong Freedom Scholars program this summer with a range of activities focused on the study of democracy and civic engagement.

The year-long program will foster civic engagement, reflect on ideals of democracy and freedom, and increase college access for Alamance County high school seniors. It is funded by a $300,000 grant from the Teagle Foundation.

The innovative program supported by the grant will immerse students from underserved populations in the study of freedom, citizenship and democracy and culminate in an annual symposium for the public showcasing their work.