Brief History of the Organization
The Greater New Orleans Education Foundation (GNOEF), a nonprofit organization of business, educational, civic, and political leaders, was created in March 1998, in response to the city's issues relative to reforming its failing public schools. The management of GNOEF is provided by a two-tiered governing system. A Policy Board consisting of New Orleans' eight college and university presidents is responsible for overseeing the educational soundness of assessments and recommendations made by GNOEF. A Board of Directors acts in concert with the Policy Board, and is responsible for all actions taken by GNOEF. The logistical and operational management of GNOEF is provided by its executive director. Because of the low academic performance of students in the New Orleans Public Schools, GNOEF's Board decided to initially concentrate the organization's efforts and resources in Orleans Parish.

During March 2000, GNOEF created the university/interagency collaborative to assist the New Orleans Public Schools. The new initiative was named The Great Connection by the collaborating partners who represent seven local institutions of higher education: Dillard University, Loyola University, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, Southern University at New Orleans, Tulane University, the University of New Orleans, and Xavier University; the Professional Administrators of New Orleans Public Schools Inc. (PANOPSI); United Teachers of New Orleans; the New Orleans Public Schools (NOPS); and, GNOEF.