FranU and BRYC Partner to Increase Access to Meaningful Careers for High School Students with Direct-Entry Pathway

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University and the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition signed a Memorandum of Understanding on March 20 in St. Francis Hall, providing educational and enrichment opportunities for BRYC Fellows by providing a direct-entry pathway to FranU upon graduation from high school.

“This partnership is a strategic first step toward the long-term goal of improving the quality of life within our communities, because it addresses so many overlapping critical factors, including, but not limited to education, healthcare and workforce development,” said Tina Holland, President and CEO of FranU.

Under the MOU, BRYC Fellows who meet specified criteria will be eligible to receive a FranU scholarship ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 annually.

To qualify, BRYC Fellows must:

• Be a current BRYC fellow seeking a high school diploma
• Submit a FranU application for admission by FranU deadlines
• Be in good standing at their current high school and other institutions attended
• Demonstrate good citizenship and conduct
• Have completed the basic TOPS Core Curriculum with a minimum 2.5 GPA computed on core courses only
• Enroll at FranU within the next two regular terms (fall/spring semesters) following completion of the high school diploma
• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The scholarship will be renewable for up to four years, provided students remain enrolled full-time and in good academic standing.

Executive Director of BRYC Lucas Spielfogel stated, “We're thrilled to take the next step in our ever-growing relationship with FranU, which now includes rich career-preparatory programming, strong alignment between institutional leadership, and a generous financial commitment that makes FranU an even more viable option for our Fellows.”

Last year, FranU and BRYC partnered to launch Wolfpack: Health Fellows Academy, a three-year pilot project to engage 120 students with intensive, immersive educational experiences leading to heightened awareness of healthcare careers, personal wellness and community health.

During the summer, HFA hosted two cohorts of rising sophomores and juniors for a week-long intensive, hands-on learning experience on FranU's campus. Fellows were introduced to various healthcare careers, including but not limited to in Radiologic Technology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Nutritional Sciences, Respiratory Therapy and Applied Behavior Analysis.

Beginning Fall 2025, FranU offered dual-enrollment courses for juniors and seniors from the summer cohorts who were interested in earning college credit, building upon what was learned during the summer program.