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.
Members of the Elon Freedom Scholars Class of 2025 met on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 to organize their civic engagement groups and projects over the coming months. In their discussions, scholars pinpointed many of the challenges their communities, schools and Alamance County face. One of the major themes was the under-resourcing of their schools and the Alamance Burlington School System (ABSS).
The scholars’ deep empathy and love of their communities emerged as they spoke passionately about their desire to use art to bridge generational divides and spend time with elderly residents sequestered in nursing homes and facilities across the county. They shared their optimism at having a new superintendent, who they hope will help re-energize the hopes and dreams of ABSS students and their families. The scholars are planning an ABSS cultural diversity day in Spring 2025, bilingual information sessions and resources for their peers, environmental and sustainability events and more.
Beginning in November, students deepen their understanding of the scholarship that exists around their varied interests of concern. In December, they will log volunteer hours with local organizations and groups doing similar work as they continue expanding their initiatives and activities through June 2025.
The Elon Freedom Scholars is one of several university college access programs, launched in 2022. The proposed civic engagement work of this year’s cohort builds on a powerful legacy Freedom Scholars have established in the two short years of the program. To learn more and to become involved in the civic engagement work, email freedomscholars@elon.edu.