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Interested in Joining Free Minds?

Free Minds will start its next class in August, 2012. To be eligible to apply, you must

  1. Be at least 18 years old
  2. Have demonstrated financial need (income no more than $22,340, if living alone, or $46,100 if living in a family of four)
  3. Have a high school diploma or GED
  4. Be able to read challenging books in English
  5. Not yet have a college degree
  6. Not have been enrolled in a degree-seeking program within the past two years
  7. Make a commitment to attend class regularly and complete all assignments

Applications for the 2012-13 academic year are due on July 6, 2012. You may apply online or download an application here. You may also email the project director to request an application by mail.

FAQ for Applicants

What does it cost?
The Free Minds Project provides tuition, books, theater tickets, child care, transportation assistance, and meals on class nights for all students. The program is offered at no cost to students.

Where and when are Free Minds Project classes offered?
Classes meet in East Austin at a location easily accessible by public transportation. Classes are generally two nights a week. They begin in late August and run through mid-May with a break for the winter holidays.

What types of things do students read in class?
The curriculum varies slightly each year based on the faculty members’ choices, but classes cover literature, philosophy, history, theater, and writing. Students read classic texts such as The Republic by Plato; the Declaration of Independence; A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave; and plays by Shakespeare. For a more complete sample reading list and more information, see Course Content.

What if I haven’t been in school in years?
Many, if not most, of our students come to Free Minds after years out of the classroom. Free Minds offers a supportive environment for nontraditional students to reenter the classroom. A writing consultant works with students in class and one-on-one to build writing skills, and in-class workshops on study skills, financial aid, time management, and other topics prepare students for college classes.

If I am accepted, do I become a University of Texas student?
Free Minds is a partnership between UT and Austin Community College. The class is administered at UT, but students earn credit through ACC. All students enrolled in Free Minds are registered ACC students with the associated privileges, including library, tutoring, and computer lab access.

Who can I call with other questions?

You can contact Vivé Griffith, project director, at (512) 232-6093 or via email at freeminds@austin.utexas.edu.