Knowledge for Freedom: Migration, Democracy, & the American Experiment is a cost free, eleven month program intended to help rising seniors from San Antonio high schools to engage the big ideas of democracy in a university context. The first month of the program is residential, offering the students the opportunity to taste the college experience and begin to bridge the gap between high school and university life. All students will receive free room and board during the residential period. Following that period, students will receive expert guidance from UTSA’s outstanding Honors College staff. They will assist students with the college application and scholarship processes and guide them all through a successful civic-leadership project that will truly make them stand out in the eyes of university admission officers.
Academics
During the first four weeks, students will experience what a real college seminar is like. Two of our award-winning professors and a team of highly successful, trained student mentors will engage participants in the key places where freedom, migration, and democracy intersect. Working from primary texts from many of the world’s best thinkers, students and faculty will engage in Socratic discussions with the aim of using the gained knowledge to make us more able civic leaders.
More information on academics
College Preparation
In the 10 months following the academic program, participants will be paired with a student mentor working under our exceptional Honors College. They will work to answer any questions students might have about the college application process, assist with clarifying the many questions that arise during such a major life change, and offer direction as to where UTSA can offer the best resources.
Additionally, students will have access to the outstanding staff of the Honors College’s Experiential Learning Lab and may attend Honors events, informational sessions, or guidance sessions at any time during the 10-month period.
Civic-Leadership Project
Post-seminar, graduates will work in small teams to design and implement a civic-leadership project that has a direct impact on a local issue in San Antonio and across the globe. Working with our trained staff and mentors in our Office of Special Programs and our student mentors, students will regularly meet to build and execute a project that will demonstrate their ability to positively affect our inclusive democracy.
We will commit to being with you all the way!!!!!
