SHREVEPORT -- A Captain Shreve High School graduate has pledged $500,000 to establish Pay It Forward scholarships at LSU Shreveport.
A portion of the funds will be available for scholarships immediately, while the remaining gift will establish an endowment to fund scholarships permanently.
The donor graduated from Captain Shreve in 1982 and enjoys a successful career. They want to share their good fortune with LSUS and the Shreveport-Bossier City community. This individual saw how a college degree changed the lives of family members and hopes others can experience the same transformation. The new scholarship will help eligible students who meet grade point average requirements cover most of the cost of a four-year college degree at LSUS.
LSUS is the most affordable four-year university in North Louisiana. Tuition and fees for a full-time student are slightly more than $7,300 for a full academic year. The university also is committed to providing access to educational opportunities that change the trajectory of students’ lives.
LSUS ranked the best in Louisiana and top 20 percent nationally in the second annual Economic Mobility Index, which measures how effectively institutions assist low-income students to improve their socioeconomic level upon graduation. National think tank Third Way released this report in the fall of 2023.
“It was such a humbling experience to work with this donor, whose sole mission was to give back to the community and the high school that played such a pivotal role in his life,” said LSUS Foundation President Laura Perdue. “’Pay It Forward’ is a way of life for them, and we are grateful.”
The donor behind the Pay It Forward scholarships says support from the late Dr. Sandra McCalla, the former Captain Shreve principal, and teachers at Shreve helped put the donor on the path to success.
“Dr. McCalla had a huge impact on my life, and I am certain that without her help and a few other teachers close to her at Captain Shreve, I would not be in a position to make this donation and ‘pay it forward’ at this level,” the individual said.
Only students studying in person are eligible for the Pay It Forward scholarships, and first preference will be given to Captain Shreve High School graduates. Secondary preference will be given to graduates of Caddo and Bossier Parish high schools. Students meeting those requirements must also meet a financial need requirement. Students can study any field.
“Thanks to a very generous gift to the LSUS Foundation, LSU Shreveport will be able to provide scholarship support to very deserving but financially challenged students,” said LSUS Chancellor Dr. Robert Smith. “The Pay It Forward scholarship will provide critical financial support for students while facilitating their attendance in face-to-face LSUS programs.”
