FREEDOM HIGHWAY AND BEYOND EDUCATION FUND

The Freedom Highway and Beyond Education Fund was created through the generosity of Jenny Norton and Bob Ramsey and continues to be supported by Friends of American Song Archives patrons.

Freedom Highway and Beyond is a permanently restricted fund, meaning that all monies contributed to and generated by the fund must be used for educational purposes and are not intended for other expenses. A portion of the average balance of the fund will be used each year as seed money to match grants and other gifts, generating support of programming designed to benefit K-12 students.

Examples of projects that benefit from the fund’s support include:

TANGLED UP IN TUNES

Tangled Up in Tunes aims to inspire a love for music, foster creativity and provide students with an opportunity to explore more in-depth music education. This program is coordinated by the Bob Dylan Center and a component of an expanded learning program through Tulsa Public Schools. Tulsa recording artists instruct students how to play instruments—electric guitar, harmonica, acoustic guitar, keyboard and percussion. Students use their skills to perform together in a band. In addition, students learn the craft of songwriting and create original songs to perform.

Mavis Staples Freedom Highway Essay Award

Inspired by and named in honor of the legendary R&B singer and civil rights activist Mavis Staples, the Freedom Highway Essay Award provides high school students with an opportunity to explore the ways in which music can serve as a catalyst for positive change. Students in grades 11 and 12 from Tulsa Public Schools are invited to write essays on music that moves them personally, gives voice to their emotions and addresses timely social issues such as inequality, racism and discrimination. Essays are reviewed by a panel of educators, community leaders and center staff members. Winning entries are published on the Bob Dylan Center website, and cash prizes are given to the first and second place winners.

WOODY'S WORKSHOP

An educational program of Woody Guthrie Center, Woody’s Workshop aims to inspire, educate and empower students through hands-on learning experiences in songwriting, instrument lessons, visual art and poetry. Held over school breaks, these one-week sessions—with morning and afternoon options—allow students to explore multiple creative avenues or focus in on a specific learning goal of their choice. Woody’s Workshop also allows students to engage with the center’s themes of social justice and unity through various artistic mediums.

To make a tax-deductible donation to the Freedom Highway and Beyond Education Fund, click here: