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WAYS TO HELP

OUR GROUPS

HOW WE HELP

Our Impact

Reach Higher. Score Higher.

Your ACT score can open doors to scholarships, college admissions, and future opportunities.

College opportunities often begin with a single test score. LevelUp ACT Prep helps students build the skills, confidence, and strategies they need to improve their ACT performance and take the next step toward college success. 

Enrollment is limited to 10 students per cohort, ensuring every participant receives personalized attention.

Apply by August 18

Why LevelUp ACT Prep?

 

Every student deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. 

That’s why United Way is investing in students by covering a significant portion of the program cost, making high-quality ACT preparation accessible to more families across our community. 

Through LevelUp ACT Prep, students receive: 

✔ Personalized one-on-one ACT tutoring 

✔ Individual learning plans tailored to their goals 

✔ Proven ACT strategies and test-taking techniques 

✔ Full-length practice exams with detailed feedback 

✔ Homework and skill-building activities 

✔ Progress tracking for students and parents 

✔ College readiness support and encouragement 

✔ Tutoring sessions and practice assessments are virtual 

HOW IT WORKS

Powered by United Way of Southeast Louisiana and delivered in partnership with Top Tutors for Us, the personalized LevelUp ACT preparation program combines one-on-one tutoring, practice testing, and individualized coaching, with costs subsidized through United Way’s investment in local students, making high-quality ACT preparation affordable and accessible.   

Every student is paired with an experienced ACT tutor based on their schedule and individual learning needs. 

Students receive: 

  • Two one-on-one tutoring sessions each week 
  • Approximately 1 – 1.5 hours per session 
  • Individualized instruction in English, Math, Reading, and Science 
  • Homework assignments through the online learning platform 

Success comes with practice. 

Students participate in virtual proctored ACT practice assessments every other Saturday, helping them become comfortable with the testing environment while identifying opportunities for improvement. 

Each assessment includes: 

  • A timed ACT simulation 
  • Detailed score reports 
  • Personalized performance feedback 
  • Targeted recommendations for improvement 

Parents and students have access to the online learning platform throughout the program. 

Monitor: 

  • Attendance 
  • Homework completion 
  • Practice assessment results 
  • Tutor feedback 
  • Overall progress toward ACT goals 

United Way Is Investing in Your Success

We believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Program Cost

  
Full Program Cost$590
United Way SELA Investment (60%)$354
Family Cost$236

Rather than simply offering a discount, United Way invests in every student accepted into the program.

Our Promise 

If a student actively participates, maintains attendance, completes assignments, and does not achieve their desired ACT score on their first official ACT exam, United Way will continue investing in that student’s success by covering the full cost of continued preparation for a second ACT testing opportunity.* 

*Continued participation is based on program requirements and student engagement.

Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply? 

Any student currently enrolled in grades 9–12 who plans to take the ACT. 

Is the program virtual? 

Yes. Tutoring sessions and practice assessments are conducted virtually. 

How often will students meet with their tutor? 

Students receive two personalized tutoring sessions each week, lasting approximately 1 -1.5 hours each. 

Are practice ACT exams included? 

Yes. Students participate in biweekly, proctored virtual practice assessments with detailed score analysis. 

Can parents monitor progress? 

Yes. Parents have access to the online learning platform to monitor attendance, homework, and assessment results. 

Is financial assistance available? 

Additional scholarship assistance may be available based on demonstrated financial need and available funding. 

What happens if my student misses a session? 

Students should notify program staff and their tutor as soon as possible. Makeup work may be provided when available. 

What if my student doesn’t reach their target score? 

Students who fully participate in the program may qualify for additional preparation and a second ACT testing opportunity at no additional cost.

Questions?

For additional information about enrollment, tuition assistance, scheduling, or the application process, contact: 

Renita Woolridge
Director, Education & Youth Initiatives 
📧 RenitaW@UnitedWaySELA.org 

Our Partners

Apply

LevelUp ACT Prep is designed for high school students in grades 9 – 12 who are preparing to take the ACT and are committed to improving their scores. 

Students should be prepared to: 

  • Attend all scheduled tutoring sessions 
  • Participate in practice assessments 
  • Complete assigned homework 
  • Stay actively engaged throughout the program

Enrollment is limited to 10 students per cohort.

Before you begin

Please take a moment to read through the entire application so you know what information will be required. Be sure to answer each question completely. Some responses may require a bit more detail, so we encourage you to take your time. You may find it helpful to gather any needed information in advance and review your answers before submitting.

LevelUp ACT Prep Application

Applications are no longer being accepted for Fall 2026.

OUR PROGRAMS

United Way offers a variety of options for people to support their community, whether through donations, advocacy, corporate partnerships, or joining one of our groups.

READ MORE
ALL PROGRAMS

Helena Moreno

Campaign Email:  letsgo@helenamorenola.com
Contact Phone Number:  (504) 655-2878


Campaign Website and Social Media Handles
www.helenamorenola.com
@HelenamorenoHQ  |  @helenamorenola

Commitment: If elected, would you dedicate additional funding in the City budget for early care and education?

Yes.

If so, how would you prioritize it in the budget?

Both in the state legislature and city council, I’ve been a strong supporter of bringing early childhood education to New Orleans. In 2018, we allocated the first $1.5M in city funds for additional seats. As Council President, we doubled that to $3M. I was the lead author to put the pre-k millage on the ballot, providing millions more. I will continue this work as mayor. As for additional funding for pre-k, is there anything more important? We have demonstrated to the public that local government can make progress on this issue with increased resources. There are competing priorities, especially when it comes to drainage, but our kids desperately need pre-k, and so do our parents, who are under pressure to be both caregiver and financial provider.

Commitment:  If elected, will you use your power and platform to advocate at the state and federal levels for sustained early childhood funding? If yes, please describe the specific actions you will take to do this.

Yes.

Every leader at the local, state, and federal levels should be working together to provide high-quality early childhood education to our young people. I will always shout from the rooftops about the enormous benefits of Head Start and pre-k, along with Medicaid, SNAP, public housing, and kids’ programming on PBS. As mayor, I will lead a broad intergovernmental relations effort with constant coordination between city leadership, the legislative delegation, and advocates. I don’t think anyone is listening, for now, but that can change. More broadly, this is why the mayoral election is so important. New Orleans needs to stand on its own two feet. No one is coming to rescue us, so we must be strong in the face of unprecedented economic, environmental, and political headwinds.

Commitment: If elected, will you commit to ensuring our early care and education providers can keep their doors open, grow their business, pay a living wage to their teachers, and help ensure families and educators can continue to afford to live in the city? If yes, please describe the specific actions you will take to do this.

Yes.

Child care providers will have a strong supporter in the mayor’s office when I am elected. Our city hall will serve as a hub, connecting needs and resources, with a focus on streamlining red tape for critical service providers, such as those offering child care. It is not enough to have more early childhood seats; we need quality. Even at current levels of local and state funding, pre-K early education programs exist in an environment where low wages are the norm and facilities are often in disrepair. The current climate at the state and federal levels may preclude additional funds. Yet, at the local level, as I mentioned earlier, is there anything more important than pre-k? We have demonstrated to the public that local government can make progress on this issue with increased resources.

Commitment: If elected, would you commit to ensuring essential local workers – including those in city government – can access childcare through local providers, and that private sector employers do their part in ensuring their employees can access the childcare they need to work, be productive, and grow our economy? If yes, please elaborate on how you would fulfill this commitment.

Yes.

I will always advocate amongst employers and at the state level for a real-living wage that can provide for a family. In workplaces across New Orleans and at city hall, I see parents working double time, struggling to keep up due to a lack of child care. Part of the answer is more public school seats for children aged 6 months to 4 years old. For older kids, I want NORD to do more. A lot more. I have been a leader in expanding NORD’s budget to record highs. Now the goal is to maximize services during non-school hours. Summer enrichment is especially crucial to prevent any backslide. In short, I want to usher in a NORD Renaissance, especially after school. This would go a long way, especially for working parents who need a few more critical hours of support before they can leave work.

Commitment: If elected, will you commit to maintaining this office and protecting these investments?

Yes.

How will you ensure these efforts are sustained beyond your term and are prioritized in future budgets?

Yes. I helped lead the effort for early childhood education with Agenda for Children, and I will commit to maintaining and protecting these early childhood investments. They were hard won, and we cannot lose them. If anything, we need an expansion, which will be the key subject of future budgets, which must balance ALL the city’s needs. The bottom line: we must support families, or else they will simply leave, and New Orleans will not have a future.