THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University today announced a $30,000 donation from Capital One to create a unique initiative aimed at bringing underserved high school students to campus for an extended look at what life looks like on a college campus.
Beginning this summer, Nicholls will host the College Access Conference by Capital One, a 2-day, 3-night initiative which will pair with the Bayou Educational Opportunity Center.
“When I was a junior in high school, I had no idea where I wanted to go to college. Then after visiting a college campus for a couple of days, I knew I wanted to attend that university. It did turn out to be the right decision for me, and that campus experience is one I cherish to this day,” said Robbie Naquin, Tri-Parish market president at Capital One. “The College Access Conference by Capital One is a great initiative for students and their families who may not know that college is an option for them. It provides a wealth of information about attending college, including financial-aid options. And it gets students enthusiastic about attending college by introducing the overall college experience, including living on campus. Having more of our students on a college campus is great for this region.”
Housed on Nicholls campus, the Bayou Educational Opportunity Center partners with local school districts and adult education centers to provide readily accessible college guidance to qualifying high school seniors, adult education graduates and parents of low-income, first-generation college students.
Nicholls will work with high school counselors to identify first-generation or low-income, rising high school seniors from Assumption, Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes who meet the university’s admissions criteria. Those students will have the opportunity to spend June 1-3 on campus for a comprehensive and intensive academic and social experience.
Students will stay in the dorms, eat in the cafeteria, work closely with faculty in their chosen major and participate in campus activities. The students will be able to meet with the financial aid office, academic advisors and various clubs and organizations on campus.
“We want to create an environment where they can see themselves coming to a college campus and being successful,” said Dr. Lynn Gillette, provost and vice president of academic affairs.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 12, 2017
CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@www.nicholls.edu
