In 2002, Education is Freedom (EIF) was born out of a conviction shared by Dallas business and civic leaders that an educated workforce is the foundation of thriving communities and a strong economy. Since then, as a trusted partner to school districts and community organizations, EIF has grown into a comprehensive college and career advising organization serving students across Dallas County. EIF Advisors show up on campuses every day to help students navigate college applications, financial aid, and career credentialing options. Over more than two decades, EIF has reached over 600,000 students and families, and the students we have served have earned nearly $1 billion in institutional and private scholarships. Our alumni are building careers and raising families across the country, and in many cases, becoming the first in their families to earn a college degree or postsecondary credential.
Education is Freedom provides college and career advising across 8 school districts: Dallas, Grand Prairie, Carrollton-Farmers Branch, Duncanville, Garland, Lancaster, DeSoto, and Mesquite. In the 2025-2026 academic year, EIF served more than 47,000 Dallas County public school students: 15,515 high school seniors, approximately 20,000 students in grades 9 through 11, and nearly 11,500 middle school students.
Your gift during North Texas Giving Day is an investment in the future of an EIF Scholar. Through our EIF Scholars program, students receive monthly mentorship and personal development opportunities designed to prepare them for life after high school and ensure their postsecondary success. Eligible students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate leadership, character, and drive. Students who complete the program receive flexible scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 upon proof of enrollment in an accredited postsecondary institution. EIF Scholarship recipients typically use their funds to afford costs not typically covered by financial aid such as books, supplies, moving expenses, and other essentials that make the difference between showing up and staying in college.
At our 2026 An Evening with the Stars celebration, 192 exceptional EIF Scholars were awarded scholarships totaling over $150,000, including the the inaugural Hanan Ali Lacy “Carry the Torch” Scholarship.
The mission of Education is Freedom (EIF) is to transform lives through education. Everything we do – from the advisors we place on campuses to the tools we build to support individualized guidance and the flexible scholarships we award – is designed to open doors for students and set them on pathways to careers that pay family-sustaining wages.
Scholarships ($500+) for Graduating Dallas County High School Seniors:
100% of the funds raised during North Texas Giving Day will go directly toward scholarships for graduating high school seniors in Dallas County public schools. EIF Scholarships provide students with the flexibility to use their awards for any expenses that will help them successfully transition to college, such as moving costs, textbooks, and supplies.
Organization name
Education is Freedom
Tax id (EIN)
04-3643313
Causes
Education - K-12
Operating Budget
$10,000,000 or more
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Leadership
Board Chair
Address
3000 Pegasus Park Suite 704