A Program of the Louisiana Board of Regents
Should states make the FAFSA mandatory?
The Century Foundation, an independent think tank pursuing economic, racial, and gender equity in education, health care, and work recently posed a question about whether or not states should make FAFSA completion mandatory.

The report, relies heavily on data from Louisiana. Although Texas and Illinois also have FAFSA mandates, Louisiana is the only state to fully implement the FAFSA graduation requirement.

According to the report, one in three public high schools had a FAFSA completion rate of at least 65 percent before the policy went into effect—now, four in five do.

The article highlights FAFSA workshops for professional staff and FAFSA completion events provided by the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA). It also says a large portion of Louisiana's seniors complete the FAFSA in the months leading up to graduation.

The writers reference the importance of providing outreach to families in states that have passed similar FAFSA measures as Louisiana. In addition, the article addresses how states should view the FAFSA as one piece of the comprehensive college access and affordability initiative.
As of July 17, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) FAFSA Tracker shows 75.2% of Louisiana's 2020 senior class with completed FAFSA's. There were 47,669 seniors registered in the state for the 2019-20 school year, 35,827 have a completed FAFSA.
#FAFSABrightSpots: LOSFA embraces the opportunity to provide virtual FAFSA completion assistance
LOSFA's effort to increase FAFSA completion were recently highlighted by the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), as one of the FAFSA Bright Spots.

In the midst of a pandemic, the agency's promise to promote, prepare for, and provide equity of college access to Louisiana students could not stop. Working through unforseen challenges, LOSFA developed its FAFSA Now campaign to encourage and remind students to complete their financial aid forms (even if they were unsure of their enrollment status for the upcoming fall semester). The office is also offering virtual office hours to assist students with FAFSA questions via email.

Click the link below to read the blog.
Student Spotlight
Ja'Naya Woodard
Ja’Naya completed her sophomore year at Washington-Marion High School, in Lake Charles, and is a member of her school's Explorers’ Club.

She says through Louisiana GEAR UP and the Explorers’ Club she has learned how to: be a leader, be responsible, and better manage her time.

"During my first year in Explorers’ Club, I was an officer and that helped me build the confidence that I did not have entering high school.
I am constantly thinking about my next steps after high school and what I must do to achieve those goals."

Ja'Naya says she enjoys working as a mentor, to encourage her peers to continue their education after high school. 
Shared on Social Media
LOSFA Programs hosted its first virtual Student Networking Group in July, for students majoring in nursing, engineering, or accounting.

During the initial Zoom meeting, students enrolled in the same majors from Northwestern State University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and McNeese State University were present.

This group allowed students to connect with their peers and professionals in their respective fields, to learn about career opportunities, and to receive encouragement and resources during their post-secondary studies.

Students will meet monthly with professionals in their field of study.
Other Related News
Smart money moves for college students this fall
As college students head back to school, experts suggest they create a new budget, as their expenses may be very different with some colleges moving classes online and implementing hybrid learning.

For example, if students are living at home they can cut back on expenses like transportation and eating out. Students should also have a plan should all colleges have to move to remote learning.

One big reminder is for students to be in touch with their institution's financial aid office, in case additional aid is available - depending on their situation.
How to get more college financial aid if you need it
Consumer Reports suggests students and parents should make sure college is still financially feasible for families affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Even if a student has accepted a financial aid package from their college or university of choice they can appeal it, by calling the financial aid office and asking for an aid officer to take the new information into consideration.

Read more tips, like knowing your institution's refund policy, by clicking the button below.
Report: 16.9M students still lack home internet access
School shutdowns, due to the coronavirus pandemic, have heightened the awareness of a problem educators have dealt with for years: the homework gap. The phrase is used to describe students who are unable to complete assignments due to lack of internet or computer access outside of school.

A new study by Future Ready Schools found that 16.9 million students in the United States do not have internet access at home. Several southern states, Louisiana included, have large rural populations where many households are so remote that they lack the infrastructure required for high-speed internet.

In Louisiana, the study found 31 percent of homes (318,352 children) do not have high-speed internet.

Click here to access the Future Ready Schools study.
This may be the worst season of summer melt in memory; Here’s how some colleges are fighting it
The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that college attendance is one effect of the pandemic that has hit students of color the hardest. More than 40 percent of minority high school seniors said it was likely they won't attend college in the fall - compared to 20 percent of their white peers.

The concern is that these effects could undue years of increased college enrollment among minority students.

The article says research shows that students who delay enrollment, attend part-time, or start at a community college are less likely to graduate from college than those who enroll in a four-year college immediately, and attend full time.

While some students are faced with putting college off and taking a job to support their families, colleges and access organizations are trying to keep students on track by offering scholarships, free summer classes, and encouraging students to appeal their financial aid awards if their circumstances have changed.

Click the button below to read more.
Central Louisiana Technical Community College and Delgado Community College announces new ways for students to save on tuition
As Louisiana colleges plan for new and continuing students this fall, affordable education options have been introduced to keep students working toward a degree or training credential.

Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) and Delgado Community College (DCC) have introduced additional institutional aid to students who qualify.

CLTCC has reduced tuition rates for students in traditional programs such as welding, manufacturing, allied health, and general education courses. First-time Fall 2020 students may also be eligible for merit-based institutional aid, which provides $500 per semester for up to four consecutive semesters.

For current students at DCC, the college is offering the 'Think 30 Award.' To receive this $600 award, students must register for and maintain at least 15 credit hours. This award is based on data that shows students who enroll for 30 credit hours each year are more likely to graduate on time.

Click the buttons below to read more on how each college is easing tuition and fees for 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.