A Program of the Louisiana Board of Regents
Southern University students awarded scholarship to pursue eco-friendly studies
January 24, 2019

Three students at Southern University Baton Rouge have been awarded the Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship. The scholarship is for students pursuing a degree in forestry, wildlife, or marine science at a Louisiana public college or university.

Last year, 22 students from LSU, Louisiana Tech, UL-Lafayette, Nicholls State University and Northwestern State University were awarded the Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship. This is the first time in several years that students were awarded from Southern University.

“Certainly, their academic financial need is lessened or has dissipated with this award. It is a milestone in their forestry career path,” said C. Reuben Walker, Ph.D., who encouraged several students at Southern University to apply.
Photo Credit: John Oubre III – SUBR Photographer
Photographed: Asija Rice, Wilbert Thomas and Simbrey Majors
One-third of college students are from rural areas. They face specific challenges, and schools are recognizing that
January 16, 2019

Many colleges are finding programs like GEAR UP to reach rural pockets of Louisiana and show students that some form of post-secondary education might be for them.

Louisiana GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) offers summer camps that connect students with university recruiting, financial aid, admissions, academic departments and student support staff.

"Many of the students from rural areas don't get the opportunity to see this," said  Elizabeth Sanchez , regional coordinator for the Louisiana Office for Student Financial Assistance .
Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance goes to sports event to help with FAFSA forms
January 16, 2019




Staff from the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance were at the Bob Petit Coca Cola Basketball Tournament at Lee Magnet High School on Dec. 26-29 for the annual FAFSA Tournament.

The event is designed to help high school seniors complete their federal financial aid application.
Other Related News on College Access
Local colleges and Shreveport Memorial Library team up to help students with the FAFSA
February 2, 2019

Shreve Memorial Library is partnering with area colleges to host “College Nights” for high school students. Students and parents will be able to find out more information about local scholarships offered and get help with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students will be able to meet with representatives from area colleges including BPCC, LSUS, SUSLA and NSULA. Each school will offer information regarding enrollment and admission policies, application deadlines, and programs offered. School officials will also have information about potential scholarships available.
Xavier University awarded grant to improve recruitment

January 21, 2019
The Coca-Cola Foundation is helping Xavier University of Louisiana's effort to recruit and retain black male students.

The university has been awarded a $250,000 grant by the foundation to help improve black male recruitment, enrollment and retention rates, and to lessen those students' financial burden.
UL Lafayette online bachelor’s, grad degree programs ranked in U.S. News survey
 January 15, 2019
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette ’s online bachelor’s degree programs are the state’s best for the third consecutive year, according to rankings from U.S. News & World Report.

UL Lafayette was No. 114 nationally on the 2019 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs list, and led all Louisiana universities and colleges.

The University’s online graduate degree programs in nursing, education and business were also ranked.
6 Community College Food Banks Get Commercial Fridges
December 22, 2018
A Louisiana Medicaid provider is giving about $21,000 worth of commercial refrigerators to community colleges so they can add perishable products to charitable food pantries for students.

The National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness reported in 2016 that nearly half of America's college students don't have reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food.

"A person can't focus on education and learning without the basics of food and shelter," said Monty Sullivan, president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. "And it's not just food, but the right kinds of food."

The six refrigerators will let six community colleges add foods such as fresh milk, meat, fruit and vegetables to the non-perishables that students currently can donate and pick up from their food pantries.
Photos Shared on Social Media
Aspire to Inspire Mentor Trey Square (center) held a mentoring session with graduating high school seniors from McDonogh 35 College Preparatory High School. During the session, the mentees discussed and planned their personal, academic, and career goals.
Director of LA GEAR UP/LOSFA Field Outreach Services, Dr. Tireka Cobb (left) and Regional Coordinator Mary Cobb-Marshall participated alongside Congressman Garrett Graves and others, as judges in Belaire High School's "Project Shark Tank."

This was an entrepreneurial competition that challenged students to create or revamp an everyday consumer friendly product to have an eco-friendly twist. Students pitched their products to a panel of Sharks (celebrity judges), who voted whether or not they would invest.
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.