WELCOME TO THE FREE M.I.N.D. COLLECTIVE

Studies have shown that higher education attainment increases economic security, health outcomes, and upward social mobility – but only if students complete their degree or credential. Only six out of 10 students in the U.S. graduate college within six years. For students from low-income backgrounds, it’s only three out of 10. Young men of color are brilliant and have untapped skills that can profoundly improve the social and economic health of their communities, yet they are least likely to earn their post-secondary credentials. More work is needed to ensure that low-income young men of color are armed with the critical resources needed to strive and complete their college degrees.
Through intentional wrap-around support services that include mentoring, financial support, and career development, the Free M.I.N.D. Collective (Men Inspired to Never stop Dreaming) program supports the higher education aspirations of young men of color (ages 18-24) committed to completing their college degrees at two and four-year higher education institutions.
- Baltimore, MD
- Washington, D.C.
- Philadelphia, PA
- Boston and Lawrence, MA
- Milwaukee, WI

MISSION

Our mission is to increase the number of young men of color graduating from two and four year colleges and universities.

VISION

By obtaining their degrees, young men of color will have a clearer pathway to upward economic mobility and, ultimately, community transformation.

Impact

become a free m.i.n.d.

- Possess a strong enthusiasm for attending college
- Committed to obtaining a college degree
- Interested in building fellowship and a community outside of their college or university
- Believes that the wrap-around support services will help increase motivation and persistence
- Between the ages of 18 and 24
- High school graduate or GED recipient *Anticipated high school seniors are eligible to apply
- Admissions acceptance letter into a two or four year college or university. Enrollment verification letter if already enrolled in college.
- A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Demonstrated financial need based on FAFSA results (EFCs)
- Good academic standing with college or university
- A minimum 2.5 GPA
- Copy of course schedule for upcoming semester
- Track record of programmatic engagement (i.e., mentor/mentee huddles, attendance at program sponsored events, etc.)

Three-prong Wrap-around Support Services

(Mentoring, Financial Assistance, & Career Development)

- Monthly personal and professional development huddles: One-on-one and cohort-based mentorship focused on personal and professional development
- Consistent communication: Phone calls, texts, or other forms of communication to inform mentors of achievements or challenges
- Semesterly goal setting: Participants work closely with mentors to develop personal and professional goals (work, academic, health, financial, etc.)
- $2,500-$10,000 in annual renewable direct cash support. Renewable each year pending continued enrollment in college and the submission of necessary documentation.
Free MINDs will have multiple opportunities throughout the year (fall and spring) to participate in program sponsored workshops and events that cover a wide range of topics, some of which include:
- Financial literacy and management skills
- Managing One’s time effectively
- Strategies for navigating college
- Understanding the financial-aid process
- Creating a stellar resume
- Finding and securing internships

We are charged to stand in the gap for each Free M.I.N.D. so we can remove the barriers and hardships that often abort the college dreams of too many men of color.

Annual Community Service Project

Mentors will work with Mentees in their respective regions to identify an annual community service project. Mentees have the opportunity and freedom to select community service projects that align with their interests. However, all community service projects must: