Fa la la la LOSFA Days 2019
2019 has been a year of growth for the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance. We developed new programs and partnerships to help students better prepare for their futures and continue to provide services that promote to student success. Here are some of our highlights from the past year:
FAFSA Campaign
For the second year, Louisiana ranked #1 in the nation for students who completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. 78.7 percent of the states 47,837 seniors completed the FAFSA.
LOSFA holds multiple outreach efforts, every year, to assist high school seniors in completing the form.
Those efforts include conducting seminars on the FAFSA at high schools around the state, one-on-one completion assistance in LOSFA’s lab, FAFSA completion events around the state, and professional development on the FAFSA for school counselors, and answering parents’ and students’ FAFSA questions from our GeauxFAFSA@la.gov email address.
TOPS Campaign
In the spring, LOSFA conducted a communications campaign in order to reduce TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) processing delays. Through FAFSA outreach efforts, in conjunction with our TOPS Processing Error campaign – using social media, print, and television interviews, the number of students being made TOPS eligible during the initial eligibility cycle has skyrocketed. We continue to work proactively to identify and minimize the number of students not processed due to an error.
Fall FLY Tour 2019
In September, more than 1,100 students attended the 2019 Fall Financial Literacy for You (FLY) Tour. Students. FLY Tour is a theatrical performance that exposes middle and high school students to college life, while teaching them to pursue an education beyond their high school diploma – whether that is a 2-year or 4-year degree, joining the military, or a technical certificate to become workforce ready. FLY Tour made stops at Southern University (Baton Rouge), Delgado Community College, Southern University at Shreveport, Grambling State University, and Louisiana State University.
During each performance, students learned: 1) determine which college is the best fit for their needs, 2) what it takes to be college ready, and 3) how to pay for it all.
Louisiana College Application and Access Month (LCAAM)
In October, LOSFA led Louisiana College Application and Access Month (LCAAM). During these events, seniors were encouraged to apply to more than one college. Studies show applying to two college’s increases enrollment by 40 percent. This year, 7,905 seniors participated in LCAAM – 3,905 more than in 2018.
LOSFA also introduced Louisiana Early Start to Student Success (Lil’ CAAM) for 6-11th grade students. They looked more in depth at how to unlock their future, using LOSFA 5-Point Match tool. They discussed things like how dual enrollment classes help earn college credit and save money on tuition and where to find on-campus resources for retention. The younger students were encouraged to have conversations with school counselors and their family, to prepare for their senior year.
Connect 2 Success
This year, LOSFA introduced the Connect2Success Initiative. The program is designed to increase post-secondary enrollment, by exposing students to the link between academics and careers. Connect2Success provides students with opportunities to job shadow, intern, career plan, and develop skills necessary for success in the classroom and the career of their choice. The program expands dual-enrollment and credentialing opportunities. A handful of colleges and universities have partnered with the agency, to engage with students – providing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities, leadership seminars, professional development, and more.
