Tulane, College Track celebrates first graduates, renews partnership

A renewed partnership between Tulane University and College Track will continue access for a number of low-income and first-generation students to earn 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 from Tulane amounting to more than $2 million in merit- and need-based aid. This May, College Track and Tulane will celebrate the first cohort of students graduating from Tulane.

“College Track’s partnership with Tulane gave me the opportunity to attend my dream university, one that I believed was financially out of reach."

-New Orleans native and current Tulane senior Lanesa Barabino

“We understand the academic and financial burdens underserved students face today, and how that can impact their college experience,” said Tulane President Mike Fitts.  “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.”

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,” said New Orleans native and current Tulane senior Lanesa Barabino. “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.”