Austin, TX – August 9, 2006 – Humanistic philosopher Erich Fromm once said, “Why should society feel responsible only for the education of children, and not for the education of all adults of every age?”

In this spirit, the Humanities Institute at the University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin), the Austin Community College District (ACC), and local affordable-housing agency Foundation Communities are proud to announce the launch of a new adult education program: The Free Minds Project. Offered as a free, college-credit course in humanities for Travis County adults living on low to moderate incomes, the Free Minds Project provides eligible students with a chance to fulfill their intellectual potential and to jumpstart their college education.

“Typically adults from lower socio-economic backgrounds enter higher education through remedial courses, and because they are not earning college credit, many tend to drop out,” said Dr. Donetta Goodall, ACC vice president of academic transfer and general/developmental education. “We believe offering them the opportunity to obtain six hours of college credit in humanities, at no cost to them, will inspire them to attend college and pursue a degree or certificate.”

With the guidance of top UT-Austin and ACC professors, students in the Free Minds Project will read important works of literature, philosophy, history and art, ask and answer challenging questions about themselves and about the world, and enhance their skills in writing, communicating and critical thinking. “We think that everyone deserves the chance to think creatively, to explore ideas, and to use their minds to their fullest capacity. That kind of experience really does have the power to change lives,” said Dr. Evan Carton, the Humanities Institute director.

The Free Minds Project is inspired by the work of Earl Shorris, a sociologist and educator who founded the Bard College Clemente Course in the Humanities in New York City in 1995. Classes begin in Austin in late August; free books and child care will be provided for students. For more information visit the website at or call Project Director Sylvia Gale at (512) 471-2654.

###