to.

Through.

together.

We help students enroll and succeed in college.

College Beyond students and staff. To. Through. Together.

450+

students served

>1.8x

Pell student 4yr graduation rate

74%

Freshmen retention

College degrees can help individuals & communities achieve their dreams.

But too few college students make it to graduation.

In the United States, 6 in 10 low-income college freshmen do not graduate.

In Louisiana, just 3 in 10 Black college freshmen will earn their degrees six years after enrolling.

At College Beyond, we know better is possible.

Our approach

apply now * Mccollum scholars program * Nominate a student * Mccollum scholars program * Deadline * February 23, 2024 *

apply now * Mccollum scholars program * Nominate a student * Mccollum scholars program * Deadline * January 26, 2024 *

The McCollum Scholars program will provide 10 Pell-eligible New Orleans high school students with a need-based scholarship of up to $80,000 over four years (or up to $20,000 per year) towards completing their four-year college degree.

Eligibility Criteria

Residency: Applicants must currently attend a high school in Orleans Parish or reside in Orleans Parish.

Financial Need: Priority will be given to students whose household income falls below 200% of the poverty line, as well as those who qualify for government assistance programs such as SNAP, housing subsidies, disability, and/or free or reduced lunch.

Academic Excellence: Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic track record with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Leadership & Community Engagement: Students should exhibit a robust history of leadership roles and active participation in community engagement initiatives.

Learn More

Application Deadline: February 23, 2024

apply now * Mccollum scholars program * Nominate a student * Mccollum scholars program * Deadline * February 23, 2024 *

apply now * Mccollum scholars program * Nominate a student * Mccollum scholars program * Deadline * January 26, 2024 *

“They’ve been such a huge help since I started here at UNO. They made sure my books were all paid for and I’m so grateful for that. They also try their best to make sure their students are thriving in the personal aspects of their lives as well. It’s nice to know I can count on the college success coaches to be there.”

megan stackhouse

CLASS OF 2023
FILM & THEATRE, UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS

“College Beyond is the best decision I ever made. Being in College Beyond has made me much more comfortable in transition from high school to college. The staff has been there encouraging me and helping me change my old habits, so I can succeed. I am so happy to be apart of an uplifting community.”

melanie ros

CLASS OF 2024
UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS

“College Beyond was a great help to me! I was worried about not being able to pay for all the supplies I needed for class, but this program allowed me to purchase everything I needed so it definitely lifted some of the weight off my shoulders. Not only did the monetary aid help, but the advisors/counselors of the program genuinely care about you and your well-being. I felt comfortable discussing anything that was giving me a hard time and they took the time to listen.”

KEVIN tran

CLASS OF 2021
UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS

Equity in college completion is a complex challenge, which many organizations are working to address.

College Beyond exists for the “forgotten middle majority” of underserved students. Our students may not be eligible for selective schools, top-dollar scholarships, or application-based success programs, but they are academically dedicated and committed to earning a college degree.

As little as one hour of College Beyond coaching and $50 per month can help low-income students stay the course and graduate.

Our only eligibility criterion is need

98%

Pell Grant recipients

85%

Students of Color

We serve Pell-eligible students enrolling as first-time freshmen at our partner campuses. No GPA requirement, no minimum ACT score.

learn more about

College Beyond's 4-year graduation rate IS:

1.8x U.S. Pell student 4-yr
graduation rate

1.6x LA. Pell student 4-yr
graduation rate

We create college insiders by walking with students to and through college.

We use holistic success coaching and small-dollar financial support to help our students experience and excel in college like their more affluent peers — whose families tend to have more college knowledge and greater financial resources.

The latest news from

college beyond

We address the social, emotional, and financial needs that remain unmet by existing financial aid, family support, and institutional student services.  We created this blog to share resources, insights, successes, lessons-learned, and more.

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our work wouldn't be possible
without our partners

kresge
foundation

RosaMary
Foundation

GPOA
Foundation

Keller Family
Foundation

Pro Bono
Publico Foundation

Rosenthal Family
Foundation

Capital One

Lang Family
Foundation

Mary Freeman
Wisdom Foundation

New Orleans City Council-Harrah’s New Orleans
Casino Community Support
Grant Program

Oscar J. Tolmas
Charitable Trust

Selley
Foundation

interested in collaborating or
supporting our work?

Please email [email protected] to connect.