Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) has partnered with Sarah T. Reed High School (STR) to launch a transformative mentoring initiative aimed at preparing high school students for success in academics, careers, and life. Supported by a grant from the National Cares Mentoring Movement (NCMM), this groundbreaking program connects 28 SUNO mentors, including 21 student-athletes, with STR students for twice-weekly, 90-minute mentoring sessions designed to build life skills and foster personal growth.

The initiative, led by a dedicated team from SUNO’s Athletics Department and the College of Education and Human Development, ensures that mentors receive comprehensive training from NCMM in areas like mental health, financial literacy, and college and career readiness. It also incorporates the HBCU Rising program, which utilizes a curriculum-based, three-tiered mentoring model focusing on STEM education and leadership development.

“This partnership is about creating pathways for young people to envision and achieve a brighter future,” said Dr. Tonya J. Rose, Dean of SUNO’s College of Education. “By connecting SUNO mentors with STR students, we are fostering relationships that inspire leadership, academic excellence, and personal growth within our community.”

The HBCU Rising initiative, central to the program, addresses the underrepresentation of African Americans in STEM fields while providing SUNO mentors with valuable leadership experience. The program seeks to break cycles of poverty and create opportunities for high-growth careers in industries like technology, engineering, and mathematics.

With a capacity to impact up to 1,200 students annually, the program will provide STR students with the tools and guidance to thrive academically and socially. Data from NCMM’s evaluations indicate significant improvements in academic performance, social-emotional development, and STEM engagement among program participants.

SUNO’s Director of Athletics, James A. Matthews III, played a pivotal role in recruiting student-athletes to join the program. “Our athletes understand the importance of mentorship, as they’ve been mentored themselves. This program gives them a chance to give back, make a meaningful impact, and develop their own leadership skills,” Matthews shared.

This collaboration represents more than just a mentoring initiative—it’s a commitment to community empowerment, academic excellence, and leadership development. Together, SUNO and STR are working to break barriers and create a brighter, more inclusive future for the next generation of students.

For more information about the HBCU Rising initiative and SUNO Athletics, visit HBCU Rising and SUNO Athletics.