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A Program of the Louisiana Board of Regents
LOSFA Mentions
Two school districts and one high school supported by LOSFA Programs win NCAN membership scholarships
Calcasieu Parish School District, East Feliciana School District, and Jewel M. Sumner High School in Tangipahoa Parish were awarded membership scholarships from the National College Attainment Network (NCAN).

The scholarships will allow school personnel at each district and school to access professional development webinars highlighting best practices for college access and success, tools for FAFSA completion, communications on 'hot topic' college access issues, and more.

The Calcasieu and East Feliciana Parish School Districts were nominated for their dedication in preparing students for college and career readiness through LOSFA sponsored events such as campus and industry visits, match and fit workshops, text messaging, FAFSA/FSA ID completion workshops, financial literacy workshops, college application workshops, and tutoring/academic support programs.
Kristi Lawson (pictured left), a counselor at Jewel M. Sumner High School (Tangipahoa Parish) and LOSFA Advisory Board's public high school representative, was nominated for her dedication in assisting her students on their path to post-secondary success; She set a goal to have 50 percent of her senior students complete the FAFSA by the end of 2020, and she accomplished it! At the end of January, Kristi reported her seniors had 100 percent FAFSA submission.
Education leaders, mayor to gather to share Capital Area Promise updates for a second year
LOSFA staff participated in a session to connect students and families with admissions and financial aid information. The event, "Keeping the Promise," was part of a day-long update on the Capital Area Promise, which promotes early childhood education and expanding college accessibility.

Scott Burke, Public Information Officer at LOSFA, presented on financial aid opportunities and FAFSA completion.
Other Related News
Louisiana's two-year college system leaders seek next plan: Equity, workforce at the core
In 2020, the Louisiana Community and Techincal College System (LCTCS) made workforce preparedness its goal. The system made progress toward doubling the number of community and technical college graduates, but fell short of increasing the number of students enrolled.

Enrollment was down 12 percent for the spring and fall semesters at LCTCS institutions, partly due to challenges caused by COVID-19.

Monty Sullivan, president of the system, says moving forward, the focus will be on equity with outreach to low-income areas. Sullivan says developing a curriculum with workforce oriented programs will also be critical.
Lack of rural broadband access in Louisiana leaves students behind, help on the way
Last year when school districts around the state closed school buildings due to the coronavirus, the result was a noticeable disparity between students with and without access to the internet.

STAR Communications announced they will begin the first phase of internet expansion that will ultimately connect homes in Iberville, Pointe Coupee, and St. Landry Parishes.

The project is part of a $15.5 million grant to expand rural broadband access.

High school students in those areas say it's challenging to do school work from home, especially with younger siblings needing the same access at the same time.

The first phase of the project will connect 145 homes in the Rosedale and Grosse Tete area.

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Preventing student debt problems begins with financial literacy education
In 2020, the United States set a new student debt record, passing $1.7 trillion.

Loan borrowers between the ages of 25-34 have taken on $472.6 billion in student debt.

Several states have begun requiring K-12 schools to teach financial literacy, but the article points out more must be done. According to Ed Surge, colleges should mandate financial literacy courses and integrate lessons into core curricula to better understand financial choices.
Where did all the students go?
Understanding the enrollment decline at community colleges during the pandemic
Community colleges usually see a bump in enrollment when an economic recession hits. During the coronavirus pandemic, community colleges saw a 10 percent drop in enrollment. The article indicates this is concerning because community colleges draw many low-income students, adult learners, and students of color.

New America commissioned a study to survey four groups of students to determine why enrollment numbers decreased. What they found: financial concerns, lack of technology, and online learning primarily affected student learning.

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Philanthropist announces $5 million gift to Dillard
Dillard University recently received a $5 million gift, the largest in school history from an individual. The donation was made by MacKenzie Scott, former spouse to the founder of Amazon.

Within the past year, Scott has donated more than $100 Million to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other organizations.

In the summer of 2020, Xavier University received $20 million to expand scholarships, endow new faculty positions, and invest in the mission of the nation’s only black-Catholic university.
Louisiana high schools targeted for sweeping changes: 'It can be a real game changer'
Louisiana's education professionals have launched 'Fast Forward,' a program to better prepare high school students for college and career.

The program offers three options to juniors and seniors:

  • Jump Start students, those who pursue a career and technical education diploma, can earn a technical associate's degree with courses that also earn high school credits.
  • Students who plan to attend a four-year post-secondary institution can start college as a junior and earn an associate's degree.
  • Students who pursue an apprenticeship approved by the Louisiana Workforce Commission can receive job training that may lead to a substantive job offer after high school.

Proponents say the 'Fast Forward' plan allows all students access to post-secondary education, meeting the demand from businesses for work-ready skilled workers and leading more students to well-paid careers.
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.