Freedom 101

Since the announcement of the 2008 summer seminar schedule, many of the staff have been asked about our popular
Freedom 101 program for high school students. FEE will not be offering Freedom 101 during Summer 2008.
It was always a popular seminar, and one everyone on the staff particularly enjoyed, but changes in
circumstances have made it impossible to continue holding Freedom 101.

In April, 2007, FEE lost the ability to use the carriage house, an on-site building for housing female students
and used as a dormitory since Summer programs began at the Foundation back in 1964. In spite of this setback,
Freedom 101 was still held in 2007, but at great expense, both monetarily and in terms of comfort for our students.
Many male students stayed on the 3rd floor and the female students stayed down the road at a local college.
The accommodations were not ideal, lacking air conditioning and many other modern amenities. For Freedom 101,
also, since virtually all of the students are under the age of 18, it was necessary to use staff as chaperones.
For these reasons, this option is becoming a less and less feasible solution.

In the meantime, FEE is increasing the range of activities and have expanded the staff, losing much of the
3rd floor space previously used for students during the Summer. These circumstances require housing all
students off-site, either at the local college or a hotel. For reasons explained above, the college is
not an attractive option, and so FEE has made arrangements with a hotel to house all of our students.

While the hotel is a satisfactory solution for most seminars, the case of Freedom 101 presents extra considerations.
For instance, the hotel is unwilling to house so many young students without extensive chaperoning,
making Freedom 101 prohibitively difficult and expensive to hold.

Facing these circumstances, FEE is changing the approach and emphasis for high school programs.
Instead of students coming to FEE, FEE is coming to the students. Already in 2008 FEE has hosted
events in California, New York, and Colorado, reaching hundreds of new students. The schedule for high school
programs will only get more aggressive in the Fall with more than 30 programs all over the country.

While the loss of Freedom 101 from the 2008 summer seminars is unfortunate, FEE is currently exploring ways
to bring Freedom 101 back in 2009. In the meantime, FEE remains committed to providing high-quality
programs for high school students. Watch for updates on the website for programs in your area!

This page will be updated as new information becomes available.

For any questions or information, please contact