NOLA Public Schools and the University of New Orleans Renew Partnership to Expand College Access through Orleans Instant Admit Program

(New Orleans – February 7, 2024) — In an effort to empower students from Orleans Parish with enhanced educational opportunities, NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) and the University of New Orleans (UNO) are pleased to announce the renewal of the Orleans Instant Admit Program. The program is designed to streamline the admissions process for local high school students and ensure their access to the University of New Orleans.

The Orleans Instant Admit Program reflects the commitment of both organizations to provide accessible pathways to higher education for the youth of Orleans Parish. By simplifying the admission criteria, the program aims to make a four-year college education more attainable for local students.

Under this program, Orleans Parish high school students who meet the following requirements will be automatically admitted to UNO:

• Graduation from an Orleans Parish high school with a TOPS Opportunity Scholarship Core High School Curriculum
• Core GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Submission of an application for admission at apply.uno.edu.

Students who meet the specified admissions criteria will also be automatically considered for academic scholarships at UNO. These scholarships range from $2,000 to $5,000 per academic year, renewable for four years. This financial support underscores the commitment of both partners to help students achieve their academic aspirations.

"This collaboration presents a priceless opportunity for our scholars to attain higher education degrees seamlessly, removing unnecessary barriers. We firmly believe it will not only inspire and empower our youth but also contribute to nurturing the leaders of tomorrow," said Dr. Avis Williams, Superintendent of NOLA-PS.

"Ensuring that our local students have a pathway to a college degree is vitally important to the University of New Orleans," said Dr. Kathy Johnson, President of UNO. "Education uplifts our entire community, and this partnership will help increase access to a potentially life-changing degree from the city's only public research university."

This partnership is a testament to the shared commitment of NOLA Public Schools and the University of New Orleans to strengthen educational cooperation and provide Orleans Parish students with a smoother transition to higher education. It paves the way for a brighter future and empowers the next generation to realize their academic potential.

For information on the original partnership, click here.

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About NOLA Public Schools: NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish. It includes the district's administration and elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 67 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams, the first woman in the District's 181 years to serve as its permanent superintendent.

For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.