Student Freedom Initiative

Being a part of Cisco's Social Justice work providing cybersecurity infrastructure support services to Ilisagvik College Alaska’s only Tribal College has been such an amazing experience. I'm incredibly grateful for the warm welcome, extraordinary cultural experience, it was exciting to be part of such and amazing team Student Freedom Initiative! Thank you to Ilisagvik College staff for making this week unforgettable. Scott A. McGregor (ENFP) #Wearecisco #lovewhereyouwork #Cisco Cisco Native American Network

We had an amazing visit last week from the Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) and Cisco. SFI and Cisco are partnering to enhance cybersecurity and infrastructure at Iḷisaġvik. While they were in town, they learned to make mapkutitaaġruaq salve and got to savor some local niqipiaq here on campus and also at the PK-13 nalukataq celebration. Special thanks to Iḷisaġvik’s Cultural Specialist Jamie Harcharek for her friendly guidance and instruction, and thanks to all the Iḷisaġvik staff who helped host and made our visitors feel welcome! You can learn more about the partnership here: https://lnkd.in/gA3GAPjg Also check out SFI’s website at https://lnkd.in/ggRUacj #ilisagvikcollege Student Freedom Initiative Cisco #SFI #studentfreedominitiative #nalukataq #JamieHarcharek #niqipiaq #mapkutitaagruaq #Cybersecurity

We're creating opportunities for economic empowerment at Virginia Union University and beyond. Our partnership with The Steinbridge Group is part of a $42 million plan to produce attainable, affordable housing for the Richmond community, including staff, teachers, and those who contribute to the university's life. Chairman Franklyn Richardson and President Dr. Hakim J. Lucas' visionary leadership has made this investment possible. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of students and the communities we serve. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eYzP3HMs #StudentFreedom #EconomicEmpowerment #HBCUs #VirginiaUnionUniversity #CommunityDevelopment #HigherEducation #VUULimitless Keith S. Tawan Davis

Today, we celebrate the legacy of Tuskegee University ❤️💛 Happy Founder’s Day to our Golden Tigers family! We are also sending our best wishes and many more Founder’s Days to our former CEO, Dr. Mark Brown, Major General (R), as he celebrates Independence Day in his new role as the 10th President of Tuskegee University. Thank you, Dr. Brown, for your leadership and dedication to HBCUs! #StudentFreedom #OneTuskegee #HBCUPride

Thank you, Antonia Hylton and NBC News, for an enlightening discussion at the Aspen Ideas Festival exploring technology's transformative impact and emphasizing equitable access and ethical deployment of artificial intelligence and generative artificial intelligence (#AI and #GenAI). We also reflected on our shared history with Colorado to highlight the importance of community-driven initiatives. It is crucial that we ensure technology benefits everyone and helps to bridge disparities in areas like #education and broadband access, rather than reinforce them. Let's continue advocating for inclusive #innovation and community engagement, fostering a future where everyone can contribute and thrive. Together, we can drive sustainable growth and empower diverse talents, particularly in growing, business-critical fields like AI. Watch the following video to learn more.

We are incredibly inspired by the resilience and determination of the students and staff at Ilisagvik College. This partnership with Cisco underscores our mission to support all students, especially those from underrepresented communities, in achieving their educational and professional goals.  During our visit, we had the opportunity to: 🔹 Engage with students and faculty, learning about their unique educational experiences and aspirations. 🔹 Discuss innovative programs and resources tailored to meet the needs of Tribal college students. 🔹 Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Iñupiat people and understand how it shapes their educational journey. Read more about our partnership here: https://lnkd.in/eDisf8YM #StudentFreedom #IlisagvikCollege #TribalColleges #HigherEducation #EducationalEquity #Alaska

This Pride month, we are celebrating our partner school, Bowie State University, and Senior Mardline Prevot 🏳️🌈🫶🏾 Learn more about how Bowie State University is creating a supportive space for queer students through their LGBTQ+ Resource Center, the first of its kind at an HBCU. #PrideMonth #Pride2024 #StudentFreedom #BowieBold #HBCUPride

The Student Freedom Initiative team had an incredible visit to Ilisagvik College! Ilisagvik College, the only Tribal college in Alaska, plays a pivotal role in providing higher education and vocational training while strengthening Iñupiat culture. This partnership with Cisco underscores our mission to support all students, especially those from underrepresented communities, in achieving their educational and professional goals. Thank you, Ilisagvik College, President Justina Wilhelm, and U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, for your hospitality. 💙 #StudentFreedom #IlisagvikCollege #TribalColleges #HigherEducation #EducationalEquity #Alaska

We are profoundly grateful to our partner, Cisco, for their unwavering support. As featured in the TIME op-ed by our Founder and Chairman, Robert F. Smith, Cisco's generous $150 million contribution has bolstered the cybersecurity and IT infrastructure at HBCUs, including cloud services, and marks a pivotal step in our mission to alleviate the student debt crisis. Their support of our Tribal College partners and other Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) has opened new doors for students and their communities. Thank you, Cisco, for investing in a more inclusive future. Read the full TIME op-ed: https://lnkd.in/gUC5RxM8

We are proud to share a timely op-ed in TIME featuring our Founder and Chairman, Robert F. Smith, on his mission to address the student debt crisis. With student loan debt exceeding $1.5 trillion, it is becoming an increasingly unsustainable burden on individuals, families, and our national economy. We must invest in pathways that allow students and graduates to manage their debt more effectively and pay it off more efficiently. Our Chairman lays out three key ways the public, private, and nonprofit sectors can better support students attempting to pay off their loans, including our Student Freedom Loan Agreement. We have no time to waste in stemming the tide of rising levels of student debt. Read the full op-ed: https://bit.ly/3XF8Ckc #StudentFreedomInitiative #RobertFSmith #StudentDebt #Equity #HigherEducation #TIME100 #SFLA