PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (August 31, 2021) – Over the years, studies have shown African American students have twice the average college debt of their white counterparts. To address this systemic problem, the Student Freedom Initiative is teaming up with Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) to support its students pursuing higher education who don’t want to sacrifice their economic security or post-college career options.
“The Student Freedom Initiative is an initiative by the Robert F. Smith Foundation, and it includes nine Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including PVAMU,” said Sarina R. Willis, Ph.D., PVAMU Vice President for Enrollment Management. Willis is leading the new effort on campus. “There are four parts to the initiative: the Student Freedom Agreement, which is an income-contingent alternative to help rising juniors and seniors majoring in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) finance their education and avoid high cost, fixed payment debt obligations. Then, a student support piece will be available to all students, which includes tutoring and mentorships. There is also a paid internship piece that provides students with access to leading STEM companies nationwide. And, finally, there is an HBCU capacity-building piece.”
HBCUs have historically played and continue to play a critical role in African American achievement. Along with PVAMU, Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Tougaloo College, Tuskegee University and Xavier University of Louisiana have agreed to participate in the Student Freedom Initiative for the 2021–2022 academic year.
“The Student Freedom Initiative is inspired by our common goal of liberating the human spirit by removing the systemic barriers that prevent students from maximizing their opportunities in life,” said philanthropist and entrepreneur Robert F. Smith. “By addressing the financial stress of college and providing students with resources and community, we can finally broaden the talent pipeline and create a more diverse and thriving economy.”
“The Student Freedom Initiative arrives just in time,” said PVAMU President Ruth J. Simmons. “Our students, beset by myriad challenges that limit their choices and aspirations, need better options for financing their education. This initiative and the commitment it represents from Robert F. Smith and others is the boost needed to encourage them to persist in their goals.”
While aspects of the Student Freedom Initiative will be available to all students, the initiative’s income-contingent funding alternative will initially be available for eligible students. Rising juniors and seniors, as determined by credit hour, majoring in an approved STEM program may apply for the Student Freedom Agreement. So far, ten majors have been approved at PVAMU: biology, chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering and physics.
“Efforts and initiatives such as the Student Freedom Initiative continue to contribute to the hope that students of color have. They can see others investing in their opportunities to excel, which creates a brighter future for all,” said Willis.
To learn more about the Student Freedom Initiative at PVAMU, visit www.pvamu.edu/sa/student-freedom-initiative. Click here to read the full press release.
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