A Program of the Louisiana Board of Regents
Program helps La. families save for K-12 tuition

January 11, 2019
The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance recently announced the launch of the START K12 Savings Plan , a tax-sheltered savings fund that can be used to pay for tuition costs related to kindergarten through 12th grade enrollment.

START K12 account owners will be eligible for federal tax benefits, including federal tax deferrals on deposit earnings, a limited federal tax deduction for tuition and related expense payments, and tax-free federal earnings when used toward Qualified Education Expenses.

In a news release, State Treasurer John Schroder said the plan is designed to help Louisiana families “provide the best for their children” when it comes to education.

“For many (families), that means paying for private school,” Schroder said. “This can get very expensive, so every little bit helps.”
Photo Credit: MGN Online
LOSFA career awareness initiative sets high school students on path for success
January 4, 2019
Schools around the state are networking more with business and industry to introduce students to a variety of careers. The Campus/Industry Field Trip Initiative from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) is to promote career awareness, as students prepare for success beyond the classroom.

The program is one component of GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs). GEAR UP is part of LOSFA’s outreach effort.

“We've had quite a few colleges visit, but sometimes students aren’t aware of what their interests are,” said Jodi Cole, the on-site school coordinator at Florien High School, one of the GEAR UP schools. “This gives them a way to see all the options.”
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Sanchez
LPB Highlights financial aid programs available to Louisiana students
December 28, 2018

Two of LOSFA's financial aid guru's - Brittani Williams & Kayla Gros , highlighted the importance of taking advantage of free money to help pay for college on Louisiana: The State We're In . The program airs on Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB).

Click the link below to watch.
Note: The segment can be found at the 12:30 mark and runs through 18:06.
LOSFA offering students free help filling out FAFSAs

December 26, 2018
For the third year, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance offered FREE help to high school seniors and their parents to complete their financial aid forms.

Click below to see the coverage.
START K12 highlighted by National Association of State Treasurers (NAST)
December 20, 2018

NAST shared LOSFA 's press release on START K12 in their Daily News, which highlights programs on a state-by-state basis.
Louisiana’s START K12 Saving Plan Launched
December 19, 2018
Louisiana State Representative Franklin Foil, the Louisiana Tuition Trust Authority (LATTA) and the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) announced that the START K12 Saving Program is now up and running and accepting new accounts and deposits.
 
The START K12 Program is designed to allow individuals to save for tuition related to a beneficiary’s enrollment in kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Click the link below to watch Representative Franklin Foil's interview with WAFB about the program.
LOSFA releases guide for students transferring from TM Landry College Prep

The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) released a reference guide for students transferring from T.M. Landry College Preparatory School.

The guide discusses TOPS and whether students who transfer or graduate from the school will be eligible for assistance.
Other Related News
How Many Colleges Should I Apply to, by Cost of Application?
Photo Credit: nerdwallet
January 2, 2019

You can apply to as many colleges as you want to, but five to eight schools is recommended, according to The College Board, the higher education not-for-profit that administers the SAT.

When you’re assessing schools, look for a mix of safety, reach and good-fit colleges among more than 4,500 two-year and four-year schools. Once you have your shortlist, weigh the potential costs of applying to all your choices.
10 things you probably don't know about college savings plans
December 18, 2018

The College Board reports that the average cost of college tops $48,500 at a private school and over $37,400 for out-of-state students attending a public university.

It's no wonder that parents start to feel the pressure before a would-be student can even read.

That's why many parents turn to the 529 savings plan , which is a state-sponsored, tax-advantaged investment account open to anyone.
Photo Credit: Flickr / wrightbrosfan
High school students learn more about the different medical fields
December 14, 2018

More than 50 high school students from Central Louisiana got a lesson in health care careers.

Students learned about pharmacy, vital signs and injections, and experienced what it would be like in a delivery room during childbirth.

The hands-on class time is part of the Career Investigation Health Program, held at LSUA.
Photo Credit: KALB
Louisiana's 2018 College Affordability Profile
November 2018

Louisiana faces a critical challenge to help more people succeed in post secondary education and earn a living wage.

This 2018 college affordability profile illustrates how affordable different public institutions are for Louisiana families at various income levels.
Photos Shared on Social Media

Representative Franklin Foil talks with WAFB anchor Matt Williams on the benefits of the state's new START K12 Saving Program. Representative Foil authored the legislation on the K12 bill.
Behind the scenes footage from a sit down interview with LOSFA's Aspire to Inspire Lead Mentor and Program Administrator, Khristopher Hobbs. A2I provides mentoring to more than 300 of Louisiana's 6-12th grade students.
About LOSFA
The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA), a program of the Louisiana Board of Regents, strives to be Louisiana's first choice for college access by promoting, preparing for and providing equity of college access.