Free Minds Project

The Free Minds Project provides Central Texas adults living on low to moderate incomes with a chance to fulfill their intellectual potential and to "jumpstart" their college education. In the Free Minds Project, students explore new ways of thinking about themselves and about their world by studying important works of literature, history, philosophy, and art.

Top UT Austin and Austin Community College professors lead students in lively discussions and help to improve their skills in writing, communicating, and critical thinking. Courses include: Philosophy, Literature, U.S. History, Theater, and Writing. Students who successfully complete the course receive six college credits.

Free Minds provides students with a variety of support services, including individual writing instruction, college and career counseling, and information about applying for financial aid. Additional field trips to local performances, museums, talks, and readings relevant to the course material are arranged throughout the year.

Tuition is free. Books and childcare are also be provided without charge. Transportation assistance is available. For eligibility and additional course information, please visit our Program Information page.

If you would like to be placed on the program's mailing list, please send your contact information to freeminds@humanitiesinstitute.utexas.edu.

Project Sponsors
The Free Minds Project is sponsored by the Humanities Institute in partnership with Austin Community College, Foundation Communities, Austin Public Library, Austin Parks and Recreation Department, and Camp Fire USA. Additional supporters include the UT Austin Department of Rhetoric and Writing, Skillpoint Alliance, and Book People. The project has received generous financial support from the Webber Family Foundation, the KDK-Harman Foundation, the Sooch Foundation, and the Austin Community Foundation.

Media Coverage
The Free Minds Project was featured in a banner story and video on the UT Website, "Free Minds: Adults break through financial and social barriers to pursue intellectual life in Humanities Institute program," in May 2008. Read the story. Watch the video.

The Daily Texan published an article about the Free Minds Project, "Program provides adults with opportunity to earn college credits," on June 21, 2007. Read the story.

Fox 7 News did a feature on the Free Minds Project, "'Free Minds' Program Offers College Education to Financially Strapped," on May 21, 2007. View the video clip.

For more information, please contact Vivé Griffith, Free Minds Project Director, at (512) 232-6093 or freeminds@humanitiesinstitute.utexas.edu.