Free Minds receives two-year grant from TG
We’re thrilled to announce that the TG Public Benefit Grant Program has awarded us a two-year grant of $135,890 to support our 2011-12 and 2012-13 classes as well as alumni programming and classes, community writing workshops, and the development of a mentorship program. In year two it also covers salary costs to bring on a … Continue reading
Hey Free Minds alumni!
I hope June is off to a good start for all of you. Vive and I having been planning new alumni programming for the summer, and the first master class is coming up in just a few weeks. Here’s the info: On Tuesday, June 14 from 7 – 8:30 pm, Amira Pollock will give a … Continue reading
Congratulations, Free Minds graduates!
“I always wanted to go to college; I just thought that I wouldn’t be able to make the grade,” says Rachel Martinez, Free Minds ’11. But when she saw her youngest son wavering about attending college, 58-year-old Martinez decided to take the plunge herself. “My son graduated from high school on a Friday and I … Continue reading
Ending the year on a note of Hope
Hope Johnson, Free Minds ’11, spoke on behalf of her class at graduation on May 23. We published excerpts in our May newsletter. Below is the full text of Hope’s speech. Hello faculty, supporters, family and friends of this year’s graduating class of Free Minds. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you … Continue reading
Writing Workshop Wraps Up
Jennifer Furl, a freelance writer and editor, became interested in community writing organizations while pursuing studies in Folklore. This spring, she volunteered with Free Minds to help start up an eight-week writing workshop, offered for free to adults who typically don’t have access to writing in community. In the past two months, I had the … Continue reading
Free Minds now accepting applications for the 2011-12 academic year!
Want to be part of the Free Minds class of 2012? We want to hear from you! Visit our website to download an application or for more information about the program. *NEW* Online applications are now available! Submit your application online now.
Guest Blogger Cheryl Turner Reflects on the Writing Workshop
I was diagnosed with Degenerative Joint Disease in November 2008, declared disabled and was no longer able to perform physical labor. I decided I needed to go back to school to update my education and job skills. When I first heard about Free Minds I was just finishing up a computer and job readiness certificate … Continue reading
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Visits Free Minds!
“I believe in the power of stories,” said author Lawrence Wright, sitting around a table with Free Minds students on March 28th. “People like me go out and collect stories, try to understand them, and frame them so others can understand.” This was his explanation for what drove him to write his Pulitzer Prize-winning history … Continue reading
Camp Fire Kids Take on the Humanities, Too
When Free Minds students studied Shakespeare in the fall, their children did the same. “The kids did an awesome job with Romeo and Juliet,” says teacher Anna-Marie Rider. “It’s so cool to see the younger kids understand and relate to the story. They’d say things like, ‘Romeo was silly to take that medicine. If only … Continue reading
Upcoming Master Class with Marcus McQuirter
Marcus McQuirter, ACC Associate Professor of Drama and former Free Minds faculty (2009), will give a master class for Free Minds students and alumni on Wednesday, March 9. A seasoned theater director and dynamic speaker, Marcus is excited to return to the Free Minds classroom to guide a discussion on For Colored Girls, the feature … Continue reading
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