Tulane University – one of the nation’s most prestigious research universities and the largest employer in New Orleans has taken a leadership role in the process of transforming K-12 public education in the city. President Scott Cowen, for whom the Institute was named, made public education reform a top priority for Tulane when the Cowen Institute opened its doors in March 2007. The Cowen Institute is an action-oriented think-tank that actively addresses the issues impeding student achievement by designing and advancing innovative policies and programs. By leveraging Tulane’s human, intellectual, political, financial, and social capital, the Cowen Institute is able to inform and catalyze solutions to eliminate the challenges obstructing the success of public schools and their students. We are pioneering a new role for major research universities to interact with K-12 public education systems in their respective communities.

• The Cowen Institute team [more info]
• Our work is focused in the following areas: Applied Research [more info], Public Policy [more info],
  University-Based Initiatives [more info], and College Readiness Programs. [more info]
• K-12 public education in New Orleans [more info]

A Message From The President

The Cowen Institute team is fully engaged in the rebuilding and transformation of public education. I am proud of our team and the work they are doing. We have great challenges ahead of us but even greater opportunities. We are pioneering a new role for major research universities to play in reforming K-12 public education in their communities. By leveraging Tulane University’s human, political, financial, and social capital, the Cowen Institute is able to inform and develop solutions, which enhance the success of K-12 public school systems and student achievement. Please stay in touch with us about how we can work together to improve K-12 public education in this great city.