Georgia General Assembly · Full text

SR 873: HBCU AWARE FEST Day; recognize March 26, 2026

Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action February 26, 2026 · Passed

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Senate Resolution 873

By: Senators Halpern of the 39th, Mangham of the 55th, Anderson of the 43rd, Orrock of the 36th and Davenport of the 17th

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing March 26, 2026, as HBCU AWARE FEST Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the members of the Georgia Senate recognize the importance of higher education as a pathway to economic mobility and long-term financial stability; and

WHEREAS, excessive student loan debt has become a significant barrier to degree completion, career flexibility, homeownership, and wealth accumulation for students and families across the State of Georgia and the nation; and

WHEREAS, Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2021 to develop and scale the Student Freedom Loan Agreement (SFLA) and other innovative approaches to higher-education financing that reduce students' reliance on traditional student loans; and

WHEREAS, SFI provides a suite of wraparound services that help position students to be leaders in emerging fields; and

WHEREAS, since its founding, SFI has served more than 200,000 students through partnerships with 71 colleges and universities, including Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, and the birthplace of SFI, Morehouse College; and

WHEREAS, SFI provides students with alternative financing models, financial education, career preparation, and employer partnerships designed to improve post-graduation outcomes and reduce long-term debt burdens; and

WHEREAS, SFI's programs demonstrate measurable scale and growing demand, including 1,942 total applicants for its SFLA program and $26.7 million disbursed to participating students to support degree completion and reduce reliance on traditional private lending; and

WHEREAS, in 2026, SFI in partnership with the City of Atlanta, Mayor Andre Dickens and Live Nation Urban, launched HBCU AWAREFEST, a national movement bringing together students, educators, policymakers, philanthropists, the business community, and community leaders to examine the student debt crisis and explore practical solutions to improve economic mobility; and

WHEREAS, HBCU AWAREFEST serves as a forum for collaboration, education, and policy-relevant dialogue on the intersection of higher education, workforce readiness, and financial stability; and

WHEREAS, the work of Student Freedom Initiative and HBCU AWAREFEST reflect a commitment to expanding access to education, strengthening the workforce, and supporting the long-term economic health of communities across Georgia.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize March 26, 2026, as HBCU AWAREFEST Day at the state capitol and extend best wishes for the continued growth, development, and success of HBCU AWAREFEST. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Student Freedom Initiative.