Mccollum Scholars Program

Designed to do more than make college affordable

‍

A year after the launch of the McCollum Scholars program, its impact is undeniable. Founded by C.J. McCollum, the scholarship was designed to do more than make college affordable. It empowers students to attend their dream schools without the weight of financial barriers. By removing cost as an obstacle, the program allows students to focus fully on their education and embrace every opportunity available to them.

‍

Across Orleans Parish High Schools

Eleven scholars were selected from a diverse group of Orleans Parish high schools, including George Washington Carver, Willow, Abramson Sci Academy, Livingston, Benjamin Franklin, and St. Augustine High School. Each student was awarded up to $80,000 over four years to help close gaps in their financial aid packages—ensuring that finances would not stand in the way of their postsecondary goals.

In addition to financial aid, scholars have participated in monthly workshops, one-on-one coaching, and college tours that provide critical exposure and inspiration. Throughout their senior year, they visited top institutions including Georgetown, Howard, Johns Hopkins, Morgan State, LSU, and Lehigh. These experiences help first-generation college students make informed decisions and broaden their vision of what is possible.

C.J. and Elise McCollum have remained deeply engaged with the scholars throughout the year, creating memorable experiences like attending Pelicans games together and bonding over dinner. Their personal investment has strengthened the sense of community within the program and shown students firsthand what it means to give back.

‍

Broad Impact, Strong Outcomes

College Beyond’s broader impact is reflected in its strong outcomes: a 74% freshmen-to-sophomore persistence rate compared to the Louisiana average of 61%. Each year, the organization also distributes approximately $100,000 in microgrants and persistence scholarships to ensure that financial hardship never forces a student to stop out. Today, College Beyond supports more than 380 students across the Southeastern Louisiana region.

With the support of College Beyond, McCollum Scholars have also secured millions of dollars in additional scholarships, including awards from QuestBridge, Posse, the Mayoral Scholarship, and the P.L.E.A.S.E. Foundation. As a result, students will be attending prestigious institutions such as the University of Southern California, Tulane University, Vanderbilt, Providence College, Syracuse University, Lehigh University, Macalester College, and the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff.

In a city where the narrative around New Orleans youth is too often shaped by deficit and limitation, the McCollum Scholars program stands as a powerful counterexample. It shows what young people are capable of when they are supported, seen, and no longer held back by financial barriers

‍