BTNOLA offers dedicated students an opportunity to break away from their under-resourced middle schools and enter challenging high schools with a college track. Its tuition-free, year-round program consisting of After School and Summer Programming continues to be one of the only long-term supplementary educational options for under-served Orleans Parish students. Students start the summer before their sixth grade year and complete the program upon high school graduation and enrollment in college. BTNOLA students are selected based on their level of current educational opportunity, economic background, motivation and potential to succeed at BTNOLA. They exhibit at least two of the following risk factors: live at or below the poverty level; come from single-parent family households; qualify for reduced or free lunch; and/or will be the first in their family to attend college.

The intensive six-week Summer Academy is the hallmark of the BTNOLA experience. Middle school students receive enrichment in the fundamental areas of English/Language Arts, writing, mathematics, and science. They also focus on the program's five core values: scholarship, integrity, resolve, advocacy, and