University of New Orleans students Brandon Everett and Brandon “Blue” Irvin Jr. have been selected for the University of Louisiana System’s Reginald F. Lewis Scholars program. Each year, 18 rising sophomores are chosen based on academic merit, financial need and demonstrated leadership skills.

The three-year program, created in 2021, is designed to enhance the collegiate experience of Black male students enrolled in the UL System’s nine universities. The students are provided educational programs, mentoring opportunities and co-curricular experiences, including a chance to study abroad during their junior year in college.

Everett is an international studies major at UNO who aspires to travel and work in a foreign nation promoting international relations and diplomacy.

Irvin, whose hobbies include acting, public speaking, video games and cycling, is majoring in education and wants to pursue a teaching career.

The rising sophomores will join current UNO students Robert Hill, an art history major, and Rabruntae Rachal, an industrial/organizational psychology major, who were selected as Lewis scholars last year.