Are you a high school junior in the Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS), interested in pursuing a college education and facilitating meaningful change in your local communities? Elon University invites applications for its newest college access program, the Freedom Scholars, a partnership with the Teagle Foundation’s “Knowledge for Freedom” initiative. Launchad in the summer of 2022, the progran includes a two-week, intensive, residential experience followed by monthly programming throughout the academic year. we will admit approximately15 talented and promising rising civic leaders from among the applicant pol.

Benefits of the Free Program

  • Earn college credit
  • Receive an honorarium
  • Gain assistance with college preparation materials
  • Build a strong mentoring network, comprising civic-leader and career mentors, and community partners.
  • Develop research, writing and critical thinking skills
  • Learn to organize, manage and plan a civic engagement project.

First-generation college-bound students, who lack the economic means or support systems needed to optimize their chances of fulfilling the goal of higher education, are strongly encouraged to apply. All candidates must show great academic promise.

Application Requirements

In addition to the completed application, candidates must include a copy of the most recent high school transcript and a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher, coach or administrator, who can attest to the student’s academic abilities, leadership and any exigent circumstances. Letters should be addressed to The Elon Freedom Scholars Program, Campus Box 2o977, Elon, NC 27244, and emailed directly to freedomscholars@elon.edu with the student’s name in the subject line. In sum, we are seeking …

  • eleventh grade high school students
  • residents or school attendees in Alamance-Burlington high schools
  • students who demonstrate strong leadership, community engagement, and academic promise
  • students with a strong desire and plan to attend college

Among the strongest selling points for successful candidates will be their ability to offer their own compelling narratives about the passion they have for their communities, learning, and change in the world.