Since 2001, the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund has helped thousands of students pursue their educational goals, transforming an extraordinary act of compassion into a lasting legacy.
The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund was established after the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11th, 2001. The mission was to protect the educational futures of the children and spouses of those who passed away or were permanently disabled as a result of the attacks.
What began as an extraordinary response to an extraordinary moment grew into one of the largest scholarship funds in the country. Over the past 25 years, the fund has helped thousands of students pursue higher education and build futures of their own.
On September 11, 2001, my family of five quickly became a family of four. The Families of Freedom Scholarship helped my family immensely. Although my father isn’t here, he is the reason I’ve come so far in my achievements, including earning my master’s degree from The University of Scranton. ”
Families of Freedom has been there for every one of my seven siblings throughout our educational journey and has really given us a gift that so many people dream of. I’ll never take that for granted. ”
If I hadn’t received this scholarship, there is no telling exactly where I would be. But I do know this: I would not have graduated Summa Cum Laude from Clemson University with an amazing education, work experience, and connections. This scholarship allowed me to focus on who I was becoming, both personally and professionally, instead of the insurmountable student loans that typically accompany a college education. Thank you all for your generosity. You have changed my life. ”
The generosity of donors is crucial for students still working towards their goals. I lost my dad in 9/11, and my sister and I were raised by our mom in Connecticut. The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund meant that cost was not a prohibitive factor while looking at colleges. ”
The scholarship reminds me that I was surrounded by the love of the American people who care for the future of children of 9/11 victims. ”
For eligible students, a Families of Freedom Scholarship can help make higher education possible.
Learn more about the scholarship and take the next step toward achieving your educational goals.
By 2030, all eligible students will have been served.
But this is only a small piece of this fund’s legacy and impact. Discover how Scholarship America and some incredible benefactors brought opportunity to those most deserving.
The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund provides education support to the spouses and children of those killed or permanently disabled on September 11, 2001. Scholarship America has administered the fund since its founding. Students are still working toward their degrees today, and your gift helps carry them to graduation. We are grateful for your support.
Every student who received support from the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund has a story of their own.
Explore the journeys of students who turned opportunity into achievement and built remarkable futures for themselves and their families.
Frank Palombo lost his life while courageously helping others on September 11th, 2001. Today, his legacy is reflected in the lives, accomplishments and resilience of his ten children.
For the Palombo family, the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund became a source of opportunity during an unimaginable time, helping each child pursue higher education and build a future shaped not only by loss, but by determination, love and hope.
