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Some students will get extra support during their freshman year at University of New Orleans thanks to an annual $630,000 donation that will underwrite a program aimed at improving student retention.

The money will jump-start Start Smart @ UNO, a program that includes a two-week summer session and a specialized fall semester with mentorship opportunities and additional resources to aid students in their transition to college.

“There’s a tremendous amount that students go through that first year,” said UNO Associate Provost for Academic Programs Caroline Noyes, who helped develop the program. “The idea here is to provide a little bit more structure.”

The donor, who has asked to remain anonymous, has pledged to make the donation each year.

Incoming freshmen who attended public high schools in New Orleans and are eligible for a Pell Grant can apply for the new program.

According to a study by the U.S. Department of Education, 33% of first generation students leave school within three years, more than twice as many as their non-first generation peers. Adam Norris, a UNO spokesperson, said about half of UNO students are first-generation college students.

Students enrolled in Start Smart will have tuition covered through the “Privateer Pledge” financial aid program that promises to pay any tuition and fees not picked up by state or federal grants.

Money will be used to buy the participants laptops and provide internet access, bus passes or a gasoline stipend and 75 meals per semester.

In terms of academics, Start Smart students will meet for two weeks over the summer prior to freshman orientation to meet their peers and professors and get a taste of college classes. They’ll learn skills that include time management, strategic reading and note-taking and how to navigate college life. Upon completion of the summer session, students will receive a $1,500 stipend.

During the fall semester, they will learn with the same group of students, taking eight-week-long English and math classes to fulfill general education requirements.

By the end of the first semester, Noyes said, students will have two general education math and English classes under their belts.

“The idea is to give them a little bit more time focusing on less,” Noyes said.

She added that she hopes the group of students will form a tight-knit community as they progress through their college years.

“We know that a lot of different factors go into a college student being successful: everything from study skills and mentoring relationships to less obvious variables like adequate nutrition and reliable transportation,” UNO President John Nicklow said in a statement. “Start Smart @ UNO will bundle proven support structures together to keep participating students on track so that they can earn their degree.”