FREOPP was made for this moment

A few weeks ago, I was speaking with a Member of Congress about FREOPP. As we talked about our mission—expanding economic opportunity for those who need it most—this person paused and said, “FREOPP was made for this moment.”

I could not agree more.

At a time when so many Americans feel left behind, FREOPP’s mission couldn’t be more urgent—or more relevant. We believe the American Dream should be real and reachable for everyone, no matter your background.

As the son of immigrants, I know firsthand that the American Dream is more than a slogan. It’s a lifeline. To me, it’s always meant that where you begin in life doesn’t have to determine where you end up. That promise brought my parents to this country, and it’s what drives my work today.

FREOPP was founded in 2016 to make that promise real for more people. And because of Avik Roy’s vision and leadership, we’ve built something rare in Washington: a principled, nonpartisan think tank focused solely on policies that improve the lives of working-class and low-income Americans. I’m honored to step into the role of president and build on that foundation.

Since our founding in 2016, FREOPP has helped lead the conversation on school choice, health care innovation, affordable housing, energy, social mobility, public safety, inflation, and more. Our scholars are helping shape a future where policy is focused on what works for people striving to get ahead. Whether it’s Education Savings Accounts, our Higher Education ROI Index, or our approach to addressing benefits cliffs, we focus on ideas that unleash real-world opportunity.

Before joining FREOPP, I spent over a decade working to advance economic opportunity from different angles—most recently as Vice President of Government Affairs at Americans for Prosperity and earlier through my work at Stand Together and on Capitol Hill. At every step, I’ve been drawn to efforts that help people improve their own lives, their families’ futures, and their communities.

This is a moment of tremendous challenge but also one of possibility. I believe FREOPP is uniquely positioned to shape the next chapter of American policy, and I can’t wait to get to work with all of you to make the American Dream real for everyone.

You’ll be hearing more from me soon about what’s next. In the meantime, thank you for being part of the FREOPP community.

In freedom,

Akash Chougule, President

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