College Beyond, a New Orleans-based organization dedicated to supporting students from families with low income in their pursuit of higher education, is excited to announce the extension of its strategic partnership with the University of New Orleans. This extension reaffirms the commitment of both organizations to create space for educational success and support students in their educational aspirations.

College Beyond and UNO have already seen significant successes through their partnership. Together, they have supported more than 250 students annually in overcoming financial, academic, and personal challenges to achieve their dreams of obtaining a college degree.

“Since its inception, our partnership with the University of New Orleans has been instrumental in advancing our mission to support Pell-eligible students through college. We are thrilled to renew our collaboration with UNO under the leadership of Dr. Kathy Johnson,” Clara Baron-Hyppolite, executive director of College Beyond, said.

College Beyond’s success coaches, who have been housed on UNO’s campus since the program started in 2018, provide academic and non-academic interventions to Pell Grant recipient college students.

“There is no question that our students participating in College Beyond benefit greatly from the individualized and holistic support that their success coaches provide,” UNO President Kathy Johnson said. “It is an incredibly important component of our overall strategy for supporting first generation college students as they navigate through college and into their careers. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership.”

College Beyond has assisted hundreds of students in their journey toward earning a bachelor's degree through a coaching model designed to unlock their innate potential, Baron-Hyppolite said.  In the past year alone, the program has provided over $40,000 in microgrants to UNO students in need of financial assistance to cover books and supplies, she said.

“This year, we are excited to launch our first-ever Persistence Fund, aimed at bridging gaps in financial aid to ensure students can re-enroll and continue their education. Additionally, we are introducing the Tolmas Scholarship program, which will offer College Beyond|UNO students a need-based, renewable 4-year scholarship,” Baron-Hyppolite said. “Our work in the community is crucial to closing the achievement gap for Pell-eligible students. We look forward to continuing our efforts to support student success through our renewed partnership with the University of New Orleans.”

The partnership has also been a key factor in other initiatives, including the McCollum Scholars Program in partnership with New Orleans Pelican CJ McCollum, which provides substantial financial and socio-emotional support to New Orleans high school students from families with low-income. This program, among others, exemplifies the positive impact of the collaboration between College Beyond and UNO, Baron-Hyppolite said.

As College Beyond and UNO continue their partnership, both institutions remain dedicated to their shared mission of ensuring that every student has the resources and support necessary to succeed in higher education.

For more information, please visit collegebeyond.org.