The mission of the Teagle Foundation and the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, in the context of the Transfer Pathways to the Liberal Arts initiative, is to support and enhance the accessibility of liberal arts education. They aim to bring the lifelong benefits of a liberal arts education to students historically excluded from higher education, including low-income, first-generation, students of color, and immigrant students, viewing community colleges as essential gateways.
The Knowledge for Freedom initiative aims to support programs that bring underserved high school students onto college campuses for an intensive summer seminar in the humanities. This initiative seeks to engage students with transformative texts that prompt deep reflection on government, freedom, and democracy. It encourages a lasting impact through follow-up supports like college application assistance and civic engagement projects. The initiative offers planning grants to help colleges and universities develop these programs, reflecting institutional assets and the unique cultural and political settings in which they operate. A significant focus is placed on sustainability, expecting that successful programs will become integrated into the institutions’ ongoing priorities and funding structures beyond the grant period. The planning stage emphasizes critical components such as syllabus development, faculty leadership, and a comprehensive plan for program sustenance and student recruitment.