Tulane University partners with two iconic New Orleans schools
As part of its ongoing commitment to academic excellence and the local community, Tulane University has announced a historic partnership with two iconic New Orleans high schools.
Through these partnerships and Tulane’s Louisiana Promise program, Tulane will award full four-year tuition scholarships each year to two students from St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory School and two students from St. Augustine High School, located in Uptown New Orleans and in the Seventh Ward, respectively.
Tulane will also provide pre-college summer programming and courses to students from both schools through the Tulane Pre-College initiative and the university's Louisiana Center for College Access, a resource for Louisiana families that helps prepare aspiring first-generation students for the rigors of college beginning in their freshman year of high school.
“Tulane is committed to Louisiana families and especially to the students of our hometown of New Orleans,”
Michael A. Fitts
“Tulane is committed to Louisiana families and especially to the students of our hometown of New Orleans,” said Tulane University President Michael A. Fitts. “Supporting a population of the best students from the widest array of perspectives, experiences and backgrounds is the hallmark of all great universities, and Tulane is proud to enter into pathway admission agreements while providing pre-college programming to students from these and other beloved New Orleans institutions.”
As part of the agreement, Tulane will also work with families of students from both schools to assess financial assistance options that encourage eligible graduates to apply and enroll at the university.
“St. Aug and Drexel Prep are two legendary high schools, each with a rich history of serving the residents of New Orleans,” said Shawn Abbott, Tulane's dean of admission. “We couldn't be more excited to create more formal pathways for students at both, to ensure more students in New Orleans see Tulane as a viable, affordable option for college.”
Leaders of both schools underscored the opportunity and promise the partnerships offer.
“It excites my team and me to ignite this wonderful alliance with Tulane University alongside St. Katharine Drexel Prep,” said Aulston G. Taylor, St. Augustine president and CEO. “To march on St. Charles Avenue every year during Mardi Gras season is one thing, but to have the access and resources to be educated on it is another. Our students are up for the challenge to enter the doors of Tulane University as collegiate scholars and exit as skilled graduates.”
“This is an extreme honor and privilege for the young ladies of SKDP,” said Latasha LaBostrie Skidmore, principal of St. Katharine Drexel Prep. “We are excited about the partnership with Tulane University. This partnership will allow for meaningful experiences and opportunities for our scholars. I look forward to building a strong collaborative relationship. This is only the beginning of something special!”
The agreements are part of Tulane’s commitment to enroll more of Louisiana’s top students. In the last few years, the university has launched several programs for Louisiana families, including Louisiana Promise, a popular and successful initiative to make a Tulane undergraduate degree more accessible and affordable for residents from low- and middle-income families across the state. Louisiana Promise meets the full financial need, without loans, of Louisiana high school graduates who have been admitted to Tulane and whose families make less than $100,000.
Tulane also provides funding for Louisiana high school students to attend a two-week, residential pre-college summer program. Participating students are nominated by a school counselor, teacher or community-based organization. This program provides high school students with the opportunity to experience college life and explore their intellectual, professional and creative passions.
