The Southern University System established the Honor Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement (CUSA) with funding from the State of Louisiana and other sources to improve success rates for African-American males in Louisiana that attend college, while increasing the number of male classroom teachers in urban settings. A cohort of New Orleans area male high school graduates are selected for the initiative that provides them substantial added support and resources to complete their college education at the Southern University New Orleans (SUNO) campus, and to become effective classroom teachers.

The initiative is named after Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honor, a Southern University alumnus, military hero, and an expert on leadership development. Students with leadership potential and the motivation to make a difference in their communities are chosen ideally with ACT scores and GPA that qualify them for university admission with no more than one developmental course required.

Honor scholars are provided year-round campus housing at SUNO in a holistic living and learning environment. Additional support includes a personal computer, campus meal plans, a monthly $100 stipend, plus a $500 textbook voucher per semester for up to five years. Personal counseling, field trips, life skills, and tutoring resources are incorporated to help ensure their academic and personal success.