LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville is stepping up its efforts to help underserved students with a new college readiness program. 

The Cardinals Rising program, unveiled Aug. 28 at the 2024 President's Forum on Inclusive Excellence, will help low-income eighth through 12th graders and their families get prepared for college through mentorship and enrichment activities.

"With the name 'Cardinals Rising,' I immediately thought of a nest," said Daquarius Mahone, a native of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and founder of the initiative. "How do we build a nest for our students so that when they graduate high school, they are ready to come to UofL or ready to go into their careers? At UofL, there's a nest here to help them nurture and hone their skills and abilities so they can succeed in a higher institution." 

Efforts will start with recruiting a pilot group of male students from Jefferson County Public Schools and connect them with ambassadors before expanding opportunities to female students, UofL said. The ultimate goal is to serve 200 JCPS students evenly spread from grades 8 through 12, with 15 to 20 ambassadors, consisting of students, staff and faculty. UofL added JCPS principals, counselors and other staff will identify and recommend participants.

"Our mission is to empower students by creating and cultivating pathways to higher education through an infrastructure of intentional relationships and strategic investment," Mahone said. "We want to create a future where every student, regardless of background or circumstances, has equitable access to higher education and the opportunities that it brings."

Once the first cohort of students is identified, Mahone said ambassadors will meet with families in spring 2025. Participants will also participate in a variety of activities during a weeklong summer academy at Belknap Campus, offering them a taste of college life. 

Mahone said he hopes to expand the program to all JCPS schools and each Kentucky county.

“Our vision is a community where the talent and the potential of all students is recognized and nurtured, and they contribute to the workforce of the city and state through collaboration and innovation,” he said.

Visit the university's website for more information on the program.