{"id":2,"date":"2021-03-29T20:57:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-29T20:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/?page_id=2"},"modified":"2025-04-30T10:38:53","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T14:38:53","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"2\" class=\"elementor elementor-2\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-d38829f elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"d38829f\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6b5dddf\" data-id=\"6b5dddf\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a3077c1 elementor--h-position-left elementor--v-position-bottom elementor-arrows-position-inside elementor-widget elementor-widget-slides\" data-id=\"a3077c1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;navigation&quot;:&quot;arrows&quot;,&quot;motion_fx_motion_fx_scrolling&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;autoplay&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_hover&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;pause_on_interaction&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;autoplay_speed&quot;:5000,&quot;infinite&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;transition&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;transition_speed&quot;:500,&quot;motion_fx_devices&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;]}\" data-widget_type=\"slides.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-swiper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-slides-wrapper elementor-main-swiper swiper\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"carousel\" aria-label=\"Slides\" dir=\"ltr\" data-animation=\"fadeInUp\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"swiper-wrapper elementor-slides\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-repeater-item-d41080e swiper-slide\" role=\"group\" aria-roledescription=\"slide\"><div class=\"swiper-slide-bg\" role=\"img\"><\/div><div class=\"swiper-slide-inner\" ><div class=\"swiper-slide-contents\"><div class=\"elementor-slide-description\">LIBERATING STUDENTS TO MAKE CAREER AND LIFE CHOICES<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-02a753d elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"02a753d\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;shape_divider_top&quot;:&quot;triangle&quot;,&quot;shape_divider_top_negative&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shape elementor-shape-top\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-negative=\"true\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 100\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\">\n\t<path class=\"elementor-shape-fill\" d=\"M500.2,94.7L0,0v100h1000V0L500.2,94.7z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6f75210\" data-id=\"6f75210\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e7e5e2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5e7e5e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/elementor\/thumbs\/sfi-p4zi90l2jmxi1s539ysqz04327qrmnw0uw35x8thfm.png\" title=\"Student Freedom Initiative &#8211; Hampton University\" alt=\"Student Freedom Initiative - Hampton University\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-cb3bfc2 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"cb3bfc2\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-7dffebc\" data-id=\"7dffebc\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a69c4f elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"2a69c4f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e09f5a6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e09f5a6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">HU Financial Aid Links<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b5f314 elementor-nav-menu__align-start elementor-nav-menu--dropdown-mobile elementor-nav-menu__text-align-aside elementor-nav-menu--toggle elementor-nav-menu--burger elementor-widget elementor-widget-nav-menu\" data-id=\"4b5f314\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;layout&quot;:&quot;vertical&quot;,&quot;submenu_icon&quot;:{&quot;value&quot;:&quot;&lt;i class=\\&quot;fas fa-caret-down\\&quot;&gt;&lt;\\\/i&gt;&quot;,&quot;library&quot;:&quot;fa-solid&quot;},&quot;toggle&quot;:&quot;burger&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"nav-menu.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<nav aria-label=\"Menu\" class=\"elementor-nav-menu--main elementor-nav-menu__container elementor-nav-menu--layout-vertical e--pointer-none\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul id=\"menu-1-4b5f314\" class=\"elementor-nav-menu sm-vertical\"><li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-303\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">Apply for Aid<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-209\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/financial-aid-award-acceptance\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Award Acceptance<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-205\"><a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/h\/apply-for-aid\/fafsa\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">FAFSA<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-208\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/financial-aid-application-process\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">FAFSA Process<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-206\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/loan-overview-and-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-210\"><a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">MPN for Student Loans<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-207\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/virginia-grants-and-scholarships\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Virginia Grants &#038; Scholarships<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-239\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/contact\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Call Us<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-238\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/contact\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Contact Us<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-203\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/eligibility-for-federal-student-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Eligibility for Federal Student Aid<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-232\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">FAQ<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-237\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/verification-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">FAFSA &#038; Verification<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-234\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/loan-overview-and-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-233\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/parent-faq-a-must-read\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Parent<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-235\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/post-9-11-gi-bill-yellow-ribbon-faqs\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Post 9-11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-236\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/scholarships-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Scholarship<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-229\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/forms\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Financial Aid Forms<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-187\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">Financial Aid Information<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-190\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/college-planning\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">College Planning<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-188\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/directors-letter\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Director&#8217;s Letter<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-193\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/huid-letter\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">ID Letter<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-192\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/important-dates\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Important Dates<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-189\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/financial-aid-news\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">News<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-191\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/study-abroad\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Study Abroad<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-228\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/military\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Financial Aid for Military, Veteran &#038; ROTC Students<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-194\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">Financial Aid Policies<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-195\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-student-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Awarding Federal Student Aid<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-199\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2025\/03\/FERPA-Policy.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">FERPA Policy<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-200\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2025\/03\/Financial-Aid-Disclosure-Policy.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Financial Aid Disclosures<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-201\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/stipend\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Financial Aid Stipend Policy<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-197\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-student-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Professional Judgment<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-196\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/satisfactory-academic-progress\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Satisfactory Academic Progress<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-198\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/verification-process-2\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Verification Policy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-221\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">Grants<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-223\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/fseog\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">FSEOG Grant<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-222\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-pell-grant\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Federal PELL Grant<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-225\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/iran-and-afghanistan-service-grant\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Iraq &#038; Afghanistan Service Grant<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-224\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/teach\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">TEACH Grant<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-211\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/international-students\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">International Students<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-212\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\">Loans<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-213\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/loan-overview-and-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-214\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/stafford\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Federal Direct Stafford Student Loans<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-215\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-direct-parent-plus-loan\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-216\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-direct-grad-plus-loans\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-217\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/alternative-loans\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Alternative Loans<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-218\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/debt-management\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Debt Management<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-219\"><a href=\"https:\/\/universityhq.org\/paying-for-college\/student-loans\/student-loan-calculator\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Student Loan Calculator<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-220\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/entrance-and-exit-loan-counseling\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\">Entrance &#038; Exit Loan Counseling<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-home menu-item-240\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Student Freedom Initiative<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-226\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/scholarship-search\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Scholarship Search<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-202\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/student-news\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Student News<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-227\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/summer-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Summer Aid<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-231\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/useful-links\/\" class=\"elementor-item\">Useful Links<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t<\/nav>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-menu-toggle\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-label=\"Menu Toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"elementor-menu-toggle__icon--open eicon-menu-bar\"><\/i><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"elementor-menu-toggle__icon--close eicon-close\"><\/i>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<nav class=\"elementor-nav-menu--dropdown elementor-nav-menu__container\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul id=\"menu-2-4b5f314\" class=\"elementor-nav-menu sm-vertical\"><li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-303\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Apply for Aid<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-209\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/financial-aid-award-acceptance\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Award Acceptance<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-205\"><a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/h\/apply-for-aid\/fafsa\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">FAFSA<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-208\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/financial-aid-application-process\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">FAFSA Process<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-206\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/loan-overview-and-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-210\"><a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">MPN for Student Loans<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-207\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/virginia-grants-and-scholarships\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Virginia Grants &#038; Scholarships<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-239\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/contact\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Call Us<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-238\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/contact\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Contact Us<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-203\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/eligibility-for-federal-student-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Eligibility for Federal Student Aid<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-232\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">FAQ<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-237\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/verification-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">FAFSA &#038; Verification<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-234\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/loan-overview-and-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-233\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/parent-faq-a-must-read\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Parent<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-235\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/post-9-11-gi-bill-yellow-ribbon-faqs\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Post 9-11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-236\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/scholarships-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Scholarship<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-229\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/forms\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Financial Aid Forms<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-187\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Financial Aid Information<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-190\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/college-planning\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">College Planning<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-188\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/directors-letter\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Director&#8217;s Letter<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-193\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/huid-letter\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">ID Letter<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-192\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/important-dates\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Important Dates<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-189\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/financial-aid-news\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">News<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-191\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/study-abroad\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Study Abroad<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-228\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/military\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Financial Aid for Military, Veteran &#038; ROTC Students<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-194\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Financial Aid Policies<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-195\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-student-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Awarding Federal Student Aid<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-199\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2025\/03\/FERPA-Policy.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">FERPA Policy<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-200\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/71\/2025\/03\/Financial-Aid-Disclosure-Policy.pdf\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Financial Aid Disclosures<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-201\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/stipend\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Financial Aid Stipend Policy<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-197\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-student-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Professional Judgment<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-196\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/satisfactory-academic-progress\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Satisfactory Academic Progress<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-198\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/verification-process-2\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Verification Policy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-221\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Grants<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-223\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/fseog\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">FSEOG Grant<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-222\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-pell-grant\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Federal PELL Grant<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-225\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/iran-and-afghanistan-service-grant\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Iraq &#038; Afghanistan Service Grant<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-224\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/teach\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">TEACH Grant<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-211\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/international-students\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">International Students<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-has-children menu-item-212\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"elementor-item elementor-item-anchor\" tabindex=\"-1\">Loans<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu elementor-nav-menu--dropdown\">\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-213\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/loan-overview-and-faq\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-214\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/stafford\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Federal Direct Stafford Student Loans<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-215\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-direct-parent-plus-loan\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-216\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/federal-direct-grad-plus-loans\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-217\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/alternative-loans\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Alternative Loans<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-218\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/debt-management\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Debt Management<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-219\"><a href=\"https:\/\/universityhq.org\/paying-for-college\/student-loans\/student-loan-calculator\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Student Loan Calculator<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-220\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/entrance-and-exit-loan-counseling\/\" class=\"elementor-sub-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Entrance &#038; Exit Loan Counseling<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-home menu-item-240\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/studentfreedominitiative\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Student Freedom Initiative<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-226\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/scholarship-search\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Scholarship Search<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-202\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/student-news\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Student News<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-227\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/summer-aid\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Summer Aid<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-231\"><a href=\"https:\/\/home.hamptonu.edu\/financialaid\/useful-links\/\" class=\"elementor-item\" tabindex=\"-1\">Useful Links<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t<\/nav>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c44b6b3\" data-id=\"c44b6b3\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-833d44b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"833d44b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1>Student Freedom Initiative<\/h1><p>Student Freedom Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to provide education and career services to all students in the form of mentoring and tutoring as well as paid internships and targeted capacity-building. It also provides an income-contingent funding alternative for eligible juniors and seniors in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) majors. With a focus on students at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and HBCUs, including students at Hampton University, Student Freedom Initiative will launch in the fall of 2021.<\/p><p>&#8220;Hampton University is pleased to take part in the Student Freedom Initiative during the upcoming 2021-2022 academic year,\u201d noted Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey. \u201cWe are proud to be one of the HBCUs participating in the launch of the Student Freedom Initiative, which offers an affordable funding alternative to students, specifically for STEM majors in their junior and senior years. We feel the program\u2019s core values of being student-centric, evidence-based and holistic align well with our mission to produce students that set <strong>THE<\/strong> Standard of Excellence.&#8221;<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b86adbb elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-adv-accordion\" data-id=\"b86adbb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-adv-accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-adv-accordion\" id=\"eael-adv-accordion-b86adbb\" data-scroll-on-click=\"no\" data-scroll-speed=\"300\" data-accordion-id=\"b86adbb\" data-accordion-type=\"accordion\" data-toogle-speed=\"300\">\n    <div class=\"eael-accordion-list\">\n                <div id=\"about-student-freedom-initiative\" class=\"elementor-tab-title eael-accordion-header\" tabindex=\"0\" data-tab=\"1\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1931\"><span class=\"eael-advanced-accordion-icon-closed\"><\/span><span class=\"eael-advanced-accordion-icon-opened\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa-accordion-icon fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"eael-accordion-tab-title\">About Student Freedom Initiative<\/span><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa-toggle fas fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/div><div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1931\" class=\"eael-accordion-content clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" aria-labelledby=\"about-student-freedom-initiative\"><p>The aim of Student Freedom Initiative is to offer students the opportunity to gain skills and experience needed to achieve career success. Hampton students can take advantage of Student Freedom Initiative comprehensive success programs, and qualified junior and senior STEM-majors can subsidize their educational expenses with an income-contingent funding arrangement known as a \u201cStudent Freedom Agreement.\u201d The Student Freedom Agreement serves as an alternative to high-cost, fixed payment debt obligations that can impact students\u2019 post-graduate career choices.<\/p><p>The student-centered Initiative is much more than just a funding source, however \u2014 it\u2019s a holistic and evidence-based program intended to support students throughout the course of their bachelor\u2019s degrees and beyond. In order to better prepare students for successful careers after graduation, Student Freedom Initiative provides:<\/p><ul><li>Income-based funding options for junior and senior STEM majors via the Student Freedom Agreement<\/li><li>Student support programs, including tutoring and mentoring, designed in partnership with Hampton University<\/li><li>Paid internships via <a href=\"https:\/\/internxl.org\/#hampton\">InternX<\/a><\/li><li>Partner-supported targeted capacity-building to help schools and students, which can include modernized school technological infrastructure and discounted student access to personal technology and productivity software<\/li><\/ul><p>These comprehensive core programs of Student Freedom Initiative are designed to inspire students\u2019 growth as scholars during their college years and to enhance opportunities for their careers beyond graduation.<\/p><\/div>\n                <\/div><div class=\"eael-accordion-list\">\n                <div id=\"eligibility-for-student-freedom-initiative\" class=\"elementor-tab-title eael-accordion-header\" tabindex=\"0\" data-tab=\"2\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1932\"><span class=\"eael-advanced-accordion-icon-closed\"><\/span><span class=\"eael-advanced-accordion-icon-opened\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa-accordion-icon fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"eael-accordion-tab-title\">Eligibility for Student Freedom Initiative<\/span><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa-toggle fas fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/div><div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1932\" class=\"eael-accordion-content clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" aria-labelledby=\"eligibility-for-student-freedom-initiative\"><p>While the Student Freedom Initiative tutoring, mentoring, internship and capacity-building programs are available to all applicable students. The funding alternative is designed for eligible junior and seniors. The Student Freedom Agreement is intended for use by rising junior and senior (by credit) STEM-major students at Student Freedom Initiative-participating institutions. At Hampton University, eligible Student Freedom Agreement students include those majoring in:<\/p><ul><li>Computer Information Systems<\/li><li>Electrical Engineering<\/li><li>Chemical Engineering<\/li><li>Computer Engineering<\/li><li>Biochemistry<\/li><li>Biology<\/li><li>Marine And Environmental Science<\/li><li>Mathematics<\/li><li>Chemistry<\/li><li>Physics<\/li><\/ul><p>To be eligible for funds through a Student Freedom Agreement, applicants must have a school approved FAFSA application (or acceptable state alternative) and must also be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by Hampton University. They must also have a valid Social Security Number (SSN). For full eligibility details, please review the full <a href=\"https:\/\/studentfreedominitiative.org\/about\/\">Student Freedom Initiative Details and Frequently Asked Questions<\/a> on Student Freedom Initiative&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/studentfreedominitiative.org\/\">Website<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n                <\/div><div class=\"eael-accordion-list\">\n                <div id=\"how-the-student-freedom-agreement-works-\" class=\"elementor-tab-title eael-accordion-header\" tabindex=\"0\" data-tab=\"3\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1933\"><span class=\"eael-advanced-accordion-icon-closed\"><\/span><span class=\"eael-advanced-accordion-icon-opened\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa-accordion-icon fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"eael-accordion-tab-title\">How the Student Freedom Agreement Works  <\/span><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa-toggle fas fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/div><div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1933\" class=\"eael-accordion-content clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" aria-labelledby=\"how-the-student-freedom-agreement-works-\"><p>The Student Freedom Agreement is designed to help cover up to $20,000 per academic year of a student\u2019s remaining costs of college attendance, and to act as an income-contingent private educational loan alternative to Parent PLUS loans and other private education student loans. The Student Freedom Agreement is not intended to replace other forms of scholarships or financial aid, including state or aid from institutions, or any work-study programs or Federal Subsidized or Unsubsidized loans. Students should work with their financial aid counselor to explore all options, and should understand that the Student Freedom Agreement may not be the best choice for their particular needs. Hampton University does not endorse Student Freedom Initiative\u2019s Income Contingent Alternative to Parent Plus and other private education loans product. Hampton University is not affiliated with Student Freedom Initiative.<\/p><\/div>\n                <\/div><div class=\"eael-accordion-list\">\n                <div id=\"history-of-student-freedom-initiative\" class=\"elementor-tab-title eael-accordion-header\" tabindex=\"0\" data-tab=\"4\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1934\"><span class=\"eael-advanced-accordion-icon-closed\"><\/span><span class=\"eael-advanced-accordion-icon-opened\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa-accordion-icon fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span><span class=\"eael-accordion-tab-title\">History of Student Freedom Initiative<\/span><i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fa-toggle fas fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/div><div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1934\" class=\"eael-accordion-content clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" aria-labelledby=\"history-of-student-freedom-initiative\"><p>The brainchild of philanthropist and entrepreneur <a href=\"\/studentfreedominitiative\/robert-f-smith\/\">Robert F. Smith<\/a>, the Initiative grew to life after his $34 million gift to pay off the student loan debt of the 2019 graduating class at Morehouse College, and that of their parents. Student Freedom Initiative steps in to help graduates achieve greatness after graduation without the disproportionate personal debt that many students of color take on.\u00a0<\/p><p>Robert F. Smith, along with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fund2foundation.org\/leadership\/robert-f-smith\/\">Fund II Foundation<\/a>, of which Smith is founding director and President, each donated $50 million to create Student Freedom Initiative. Beginning with this $100 million initial endowment, and with the support of a growing number of partner organizations including the Education Finance Institute, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jainfamilyinstitute.org\/\">Jain Family Institute<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdrc.org\/\">MDRC<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skadden.com\/\">Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &amp; Flom LLP<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/uncf.org\/\">UNCF<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vistaequitypartners.com\/\">Vista Equity Partners<\/a>, the Initiative will launch at nine HBCUs in the fall of 2021. As a nonprofit organization, student repayments will feed back into the Initiative, creating a self-sustaining funding source for generations of students to follow.<\/p><p>To apply for Student Freedom Initiative, and to learn more, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/studentfreedominitiative.org\/\">Student Freedom Initiative&#8217;s Website.<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n                <\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>LIBERATING STUDENTS TO MAKE CAREER AND LIFE CHOICES HU Financial Aid Links Student Freedom Initiative Student Freedom Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to provide education and career services to all students in the form of mentoring and tutoring as well as paid internships and targeted capacity-building. It also provides an income-contingent [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Home - Student Freedom Initiative<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The brainchild of philanthropist and entrepreneur Robert F. 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