On Thursday, March 10, the New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA), United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) and representatives of the three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in New Orleans- Xavier University of Louisiana, Dillard University, and Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO)- announced a partnership to offer financial literacy and lessen the financial burden for students after graduation.  

“Students who choose Xavier are talented and ambitious, and they make great substantial financial sacrifices knowing that as an HBCU, we are fully focused on their success,” said Dr. Anne McCall, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at Xavier University of Louisiana. “We are eager to support their growth in financial literacy and techniques that can help them in their transition into professional life." 

The “HBCU Student Prosperity Project” is a NOLABA initiative in partnership with UWSELA’s Individual Development Account (IDA) Project. It provides a 4:1 match on the savings of participating students to provide a financial boost for their education, while also providing resources for credit counseling, financial education, and asset-specific training. 

During Thursday's press conference about the project, NOLABA’s Interim President and CEO Norman E. Barnum, IV, also a Xavier alumnus (‘84), shared his excitement for this partnership, looking forward to creating an economically stronger New Orleans.  

The full press conference of the announcement can be viewed here. The full press release can read here.  

Provost McCall and Norman E. Barnum, IV (‘84)