A gift from a New Orleans nonprofit foundation will create the New Orleans Scholars program at the University of New Orleans. The program, which will launch this summer, will provide 15 Orleans Parish public high school graduates with the resources and support to thrive at UNO while incurring little to no student debt.

Grants and scholarships will cover all of the students’ tuition, fees, room and board, and books in their first two years at the University. In their final two years, grants and scholarships will cover those same expenses for TOPS-eligible students. For those students without TOPS, a gap of up to $5,500 may be filled with Federal Direct Stafford Loans.

“Thanks to the generosity and partnership of this foundation, more UNO students will be relieved of the financial pressures that so many endure, so that they may focus on having a successful and fulfilling college experience,” said UNO President John Nicklow.

In order to be eligible, students must be a graduate of an Orleans Parish public high school; have an expected family contribution of $1,000 or less, as determined by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); and meet UNO admissions criteria with a high school grade point average of 2.5 or greater.

New Orleans Scholars will complete a summer bridge program to support their successful transition to college. They will live in dedicated living-learning community in an on-campus residence hall. Additionally they will receive supplemental instruction in math and English courses as well as mentoring and coaching during their first two years at UNO. The scholars will be placed in on-campus work-study positions to gain experience and earn spending money. They will also have access to special events and programming.

Interested students must submit all application materials to UNO by June 1, 2020.