Collegiate Academies – Next Level NOLA

A free, one-year fellowship for graduating seniors of New Orleans’ Public Schools that counters obstacles students traditionally face in their postsecondary pursuits.

Collegiate Academies’ Next Level NOLA initiative provides transformative, personalized support to graduating seniors in New Orleans.

Next Level NOLA is a free, one-year fellowship for graduating seniors of New Orleans’ Public Schools that counters the obstacles students traditionally face in their postsecondary pursuits. This “bridge year” helps students understand and excel in both high-wage, high-demand careers and higher education through opportunities to earn college credits; gain career-connected learning experiences through training, guest speakers, networking, mentorships, and internships; engage in individualized success coaching and support services, and access tutoring and ACT prep to access scholarships.

Through this comprehensive program, students have a focused, debt-free year to explore their unique passions, aspirations, and purpose and transition to their next steps with defined, long-term plans for success in the field of their choice.

“I was scared to go straight into college because I know a lot of people do that without knowing exactly what they want to study or do afterwards and then they just end up with a ton of debt. I was pretty sure I wanted to do culinary arts, but Next Level NOLA is helping me try that out while getting college credits, without risking getting into any debt.” – Current Next Level NOLA Fellow

“We are working with young adults who are choosing to grow themselves. And this is all about their choice to be pushed both academically and socially. Our fellows are absolutely the future managers, teachers, leaders, and executives. They are the change makers that will be here in New Orleans for years to come.” – Rhonda Dale, Next Level NOLA Executive Director

For more information about Collegiate Academies and Next Level NOLA, visit nextlevelnola.org.