The University of New Orleans announced an instant admit program for graduates of Caddo Parish Public Schools. Students who graduate from a Caddo Parish public high school and meet straightforward grade point average and ACT requirements are guaranteed admission to the University.

President John Nicklow and Caddo Parish Public Schools Superintendent T. Lamar Goree signed a memorandum of understanding today (Feb.19) at Shreveport City Hall during a ceremony that included Shreveport mayor Adrian Perkins.

Students must meet the following requirements to be admitted:
•    Graduated from a Caddo Parish Public High School with a 2.5 GPA or greater;
•    Scored at least a 19 in math and an 18 in English on the ACT;
•    Submitted an application for admission (no application fee is required for students in Caddo Parish Public Schools)

The objective of the program is to reduce barriers that may prevent some students from applying to college and to help local high school students envision themselves as college students and, ultimately, graduates.

 “Applying to college can be a daunting process for many students but it doesn’t have to be,” Nicklow said. “We want qualified Caddo Parish students to know that if they follow a few simple steps, they will gain admission to the University of New Orleans.

"They will also be eligible for a number of scholarship opportunities. I believe strongly that students from North Louisiana can have a distinctive and enriching college experience at the University of New Orleans.”

Advocating for equity in opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, Goree said the agreement with UNO supports advancing students to a brighter future.

“We know the work we do doesn’t begin at prekindergarten and doesn’t end at high school graduation,” Goree said. “Caddo’s commitment to our community is to prepare each child to reach the career of their dreams and that begins with strengthened initiatives from cradle through career.

"This MOU will enhance the future of countless Caddo students who we hope will come back to our community to invest in making Shreveport and Caddo Parish the best place to live and work.”

Goree was named the 2019 Louisiana Superintendent of the Year by the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents. Now in his fifth year as superintendent, he has launched programs including the Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) to support and grow teachers, as well as invest in the highest quality curriculum and resources. He also led Caddo through its first successful district-wide accreditation from AdvancED, the international leader in school accreditation.  

“I am excited about this partnership between Caddo Parish Schools and the University of New Orleans," Mayor Perkins said. “It guarantees Shreveport's college-ready students access to one of Louisiana's premier universities. When they come back to Shreveport, they will be bringing knowledge, talents and experience that enrich our economy and our culture.”