NEW ORLEANS — Tulane University and College Track announced today the renewal of their partnership to increase the number of low-income and first-generation students earning a four-year college degree, and to foster a college-going culture for students who are traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
In 2014, Tulane University became one of the first campuses to partner with College Track. This collaboration, with the university’s Center for Academic Equity, provides each College Track student attending Tulane with one-on-one support throughout their college journey while working directly with College Track to meet the academic, financial and social-emotional needs of each student.
Since the start of the partnership, 20 students from College Track centers in California, Colorado and Louisiana have received scholarships amounting to over $2,236,000 in merit- and need-based aid. This May, College Track and Tulane will celebrate the first cohort of students graduating from the university.
“We understand the academic and financial burdens underserved students face today, and how that can impact their college experience. Through this partnership, we hope to not only increase access, but also provide an inclusive, multicultural, and academically rich environment, where every student, regardless of where they’re from, receives the opportunity to earn a degree,” said President of Tulane University Mike Fitts.
Each year, College Track identifies 10-12 students to be nominated for the program and submits specially written applications to Tulane administrators that support the selection of five to seven students for admission. Tulane then offers comprehensive scholarship packages to students based on demonstrated financial need. Tulane’s Center for Academic Equity also helps provide funding for living expenses, subsidizes study abroad programs, and offers a summer fellowship program that earns students credit that they can apply to freshman year courses.
“College Track’s partnership with Tulane gave me the opportunity to attend my dream university, one that I believed was financially out of reach. Beyond my scholarship, I’ve received financial support for textbooks and supplies, academic and social advising, and connections with various local organizations to help me plan for life post-college. I couldn’t be more grateful,” said New Orleans native Lanesa M. Barabino, current senior at Tulane University.
To support a 100 percent graduation rate, College Track facilitates regular and open communication with Tulane’s on-campus mentors, including updates on students’ enrollment status, financial challenges, progress towards graduation, and any issues that could negatively impact student outcomes.
“College Track makes a 10-year promise to guide students to and through college,” said CEO of College Track Elissa Salas. “Our partnership with Tulane has been an invaluable asset and has placed so many of our students within and beyond New Orleans on the path to upward social mobility. We’re thrilled to be graduating the first class of Tulane students, and honored to continue this collaboration to support more talented youth on their undergraduate journeys.”
