Franklin Forward donates $25K to ULM Foundation

Published February 12, 2026

A group of people smiling and standing behind a large check.

CAPTION: Pictured L-R: Franklin Forward Community Affairs Liaison Mary Perry, ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille, Franklin Forward Executive Director Chastity George, Franklin Forward Founder Allan Corbin, Franklin Forward IT Director Landun Peters.  

MONROE, La. – On October 24, 2025, Franklin Forward presented ULM with a $25,000 investment to support students from Franklin Parish in their academic careers. 
 
Franklin Forward is a non-profit organization located in Winnsboro, La. that works to empower local youth by connecting them to college, career, and cultural opportunities. The organization was founded in 2024 by Allan Corbin, a 1984 ULM alumnus. 
 
Franklin Forward focuses on two critical streams of support: one aimed at nurturing 3rd graders, especially boys, and another designed to elevate and guide students in the 11th and 12th grades. The executive team says these are pivotal years for shaping academic and personal growth. 

Together, ULM and Franklin Forward will steward those high schoolers, known as the Franklin Fellows, in their journey to college. Its first cohort includes four students who are receiving mentorship and exposure to higher education. The group has participated in visits from ULM Recruiting, Career Development, ACT workshops, and attended ULM’s Browse on the Bayou in November 2025. 

“We want to remove any barriers for our students,” said Chastity George with Franklin Forward. “We want them to be as educated as possible. We want them to have the financial resources.” 

ULM President Dr. Carrie Castille said the partnership could help increase college enrollment among rural students. “Growing up in a rural community, it’s important to know that college is attainable, but also how it transforms lives, as it has done for me,” Castille said. 
 
In attendance for the check presentation were Founder and ULM Alumnus, Allan Corbin, Franklin Forward Executive Director, Chastity George, Community Affairs Liaison, Mary Perry, and IT Director, Landun Peters. 

About Franklin Forward

Franklin Forward supports students at important stages of development, with programming focused on two key age groups: third graders and high school juniors and seniors. Organizers say these are pivotal years for shaping academic and personal growth. 
 
Mission: Franklin Forward is committed to empowering Franklin Parish by providing them with opportunities to explore the arts, embrace cultural experiences, and achieve educational success. Through targeted programs, we aim to inspire creativity, foster academic excellence, and build a sense of pride and belonging in our community. 
 
Applications for the 2026-2027 Franklin Fellow program are available here.