On the evening of April 21, beneath the soaring exhibits of the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas, we gathered to do what Education is Freedom has always done best — celebrate the extraordinary young people who prove every day that the future is bright.

The 11th Annual An Evening with the Stars was nothing short of magnificent. This year, we recognized 192 EIF Scholars and awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to students whose determination and hard work inspire all of us. And for the first time, we presented the inaugural Hanan Ali Lacy “Carry the Torch” Scholarship — a deeply meaningful addition to our tradition of honoring excellence.

The evening also gave us the gift of hearing from Prentice Richmond, an EIF alumnus whose words reminded every person in that room why this work matters. He spoke of education not simply as a degree, but as real freedom. I could not have said it better myself.

As we close out a remarkable year, I am filled with gratitude for every student, family, advisor, donor, and partner who makes this mission possible. The work continues — and together, we move forward with unwavering resolve and optimism for what's ahead.

🎬 Relive the magic of An Evening with the Stars — Watch the Recap Video here!

With gratitude, Susanna

EIF's Summer Launch Strategy: Building a Bridge to Every Student's Future

For most students, the months after high school graduation are not a pause — they are a pivot point. Yet uncertainty about next steps can redirect a student away from the future they envisioned. Education is Freedom built our Summer Launch Strategy precisely for this moment. From May through August, EIF advisors across every partner district are focused on one thing: ensuring every new high school graduate is supported on a clear and actionable pathway forward — whether that leads to a four-year university, two-year college, a certification program, or a skilled trade.

The Framework: Data-Driven, Advisor-Led

EIF advisors begin the summer with an individualized classification of every senior in their caseload, using a three-dimensional framework that answers three urgent questions:

The intersection of these three dimensions creates a personalized roadmap for every student. For those pursuing skilled trades or immediate career pathways, advisors use EIF's Workforce Readiness framework to guide career exploration, apprenticeship connections, and workforce training enrollment. No one is invisible. No one falls through the cracks.

Between now and August, EIF advisors will conduct hundreds of individual student meetings, co-navigate FAFSA completions, coordinate TSI retesting, confirm dual credit placements, and connect seniors to summer bridge programs and workforce training pathways. Every conversation is an investment. Every completed milestone is a student who arrives at their next chapter — not hoping they can do this, but knowing they can.

This work is only possible because of the partnerships we have built with school districts, higher education institutions, community organizations, and funders who believe the summer months are not a gap — they are an opportunity.

For questions or to learn more, please contact Natalie Young-Williams at nwilliams@educationisfreedom.org.

Our 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report Is Here

Covering August 2024 through July 2025, our newly released Annual Impact Report captures the scope of EIF’s work and outcomes over the most recent year of full data. The numbers tell a powerful story.

• 12,091 high school seniors served
• 10,294 financial aid applications submitted (85% submission rate)
• 5 college applications submitted per student on average
• $285,504,910 in college scholarships earned

Mission-driven action and collaboration made it all possible. Thank you to our many partners in this work!

Read the 2024-2025 Annual Report

Celebrating College Decision Day Across Dallas County 

Each year on May 1, high school seniors across the country mark National College Decision Day — the nationally recognized deadline by which students officially commit to their college or university of choice. It is the moment when one chapter closes and another, full of possibility, begins.

For EIF’s Class of 2026, that moment was hard-earned and well-deserved—67% have been accepted to a four- or two-year college, and together, they have earned more than $261 million in scholarships to date. From helping students to choose their best-fit college to preparing and hosting their campus's College Decision Day events, EIF advisors have been right beside students every step of the way.

(Pictured: College Decision Day at Lassiter Early College High School, organized by EIF Advisor Diana Briones)

South Oak Cliff Sets the Bar on SAT Results 

Big news from South Oak Cliff High School: SOC’s Class of 2027 raised the bar with a remarkable +154-point increase in their average SAT score — growing from 853 in 2025 to 1007 in 2026. South Oak Cliff now holds the highest average SAT score among comprehensive high schools in Dallas ISD for the Class of 2027.

This kind of growth reflects strong school leadership, meaningful student support, and a culture where students are seen, heard, and challenged to succeed. We are proud to partner with the SOC community — and we cannot wait to support the Class of 2027 on their financial aid and college decision journey next year.



Congratulations to the entire South Oak Cliff community!

Prentice Richmond & Dr. Brian English: A Story of Mentorship That Keeps Growing

At the 11th Annual An Evening with the Stars, one of the most powerful moments of the evening came from EIF alumnus Prentice Richmond — who took the stage not just as a former scholar, but as a living testament to what EIF’s mission makes possible.

Prentice spoke with honesty, conviction, and grace about what education truly means:

"Education is Freedom. Freedom to think for yourself. Freedom to make better decisions. Freedom to break cycles that were never meant to define you."

He shared that education did not just change his life — it saved it. And he was clear: he did not get there alone.

One of the biggest turning points in Prentice’s journey was finding a mentor in Dr. Brian English — his EIF advisor during high school, and someone who has remained by his side ever since.

Prentice emphasized that as his advisor and mentor, Brian held him accountable, challenged him when it mattered most, and pushed him to see more in himself than he could always see on his own.

Today, Prentice is back in college, finishing his degree. As he told the audience that evening: “That decision alone is proof that it is never too late to invest in yourself and keep pushing forward.”

The EIF story does not end at graduation — and neither does our commitment to our alumni.



(Pictured above, l-r: Prentice Richmond, Dr. Susanna Russell, Lesa Engalthaler, and Dr. Brian English)

Are You an EIF Alum? We Want to Hear From You.

As we approach our 25th Anniversary, we are reaching out and inviting you back into connection with us — because our intent is to always be by your side.

Join the EIF Alumni Network and you’ll have opportunities to give and receive mentorship, receive invitations to events with fellow EIF alumni, and access resources to help you build the career you’ve worked so hard for.



Click here to connect or scan the QR code.

We're Here All Summer — Reach Out Anytime

While the school year may be winding down, EIF never stops. Our advisors are available all summer long to support students, families, teachers, and community partners across Dallas County.

Whether you’re a student mapping out your next steps on your post-secondary path, a parent with questions about financial aid, a teacher looking to connect a student with support, or a community partner interested in working with us — we want to hear from you.

📱Call us: 214-432-8550

🎓Students: Complete our contact form here to connect with your EIF advisor and get support with your next steps.