LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is adapting a program designed to keep athletes in school to ensure that academically accomplished lower-income students don't drop out.
 
The university says in a news release that its Louisiana Educate pilot program began this semester with 43 freshmen from New Orleans.
 
Students get work-study jobs on campus and must attend at least six hours of study hall each week. They also all live in one residence hall. They must complete internships, join two student organizations, and attend four on-campus or university-related events each semester.
 
The university's vice president for enrollment management says planning began last November when donors from New Orleans proposed a partnership. Dr. DeWayne Bowie says the donors were motivated in part by Louisiana-Lafayette's "reputation for promoting social mobility."