Knowledge For Freedom Initiative

The Teagle Foundation’s Knowledge for Freedom initiative aims to address disparities in access to higher education by engaging underserved high school students in humanities-based learning. This initiative supports colleges and universities in establishing programs that bring rising high school seniors to campus for immersive summer seminars. These seminars explore enduring philosophical and literary texts related to freedom, democracy, and civic responsibility. The initiative is rooted in the success of Columbia University’s “Freedom and Citizenship” program, which has shown substantial improvements in college readiness and long-term civic engagement among participants. The program emphasizes intensive, seminar-style academic experiences led by college faculty and supported by undergraduate mentors. Participants not only gain exposure to transformative texts, but also build relationships with mentors, experience college life firsthand, and develop civic engagement skills. After the summer seminar, students receive continued support throughout their senior year, including assistance with college applications and participation in public service or civic projects. Grants are available at two stages. Planning grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 and support a 6- to 12-month design phase. Implementation grants provide between $100,000 and $300,000 over 36 months to launch fully realized programs. Funding amounts depend on project scope, and grants are provided with the expectation that institutions will sustain successful programs beyond the grant period. Eligible applicants include colleges and universities. Planning grant proposals must outline the necessary timeline and structure for developing a program, while implementation proposals must name the lead faculty director, detail the departmental home, and identify institutional partners. Proposals must also include a draft syllabus, demonstrate alignment with institutional priorities, and present a plan for program sustainability. The application process is structured in two stages. Interested institutions must first submit a brief concept paper to proposals@teagle.org. Concept papers are reviewed three times per year, with deadlines on December 1, March 1, and August 1. Selected applicants are invited to submit full proposals through the Foundation’s online system, with reviews occurring in November, February, and May. The current cycle’s deadline was December 1, 2025, indicating the next cycle deadline is in March 1, 2026. For questions, applicants may contact Tamara Mann Tweel, Program Director for Civic Initiatives, at ttweel@teagle.org. The Foundation encourages applicants to consult the Knowledge for Freedom Planning Toolkit and “How We Grant” documentation for additional guidance.

Emphasize strong institutional alignment and sustainability beyond grant life. Include detailed, well-considered syllabi and identify lead faculty early.