LOSFA partners with Northwestern State University to kick off new Connect2Success Program

Contact Thomas Rudd Career Transition Specialist (225) 219-7557 Office Tyana Daquano Public Information Officer (225) 342-5173 Office Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) November 8, 2019

LOSFA partners with Northwestern State University to kick off new Connect2Success Program

Baton Rouge- As part of its mission to promote, prepare for, and provide equity of college access to Louisiana students, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) has introduced a new program to increase post-secondary enrollment, by exposing students to a link between academics and careers. LOSFA’s new Connect2Success Initiative will provide students with opportunities to job shadow, intern, career plan, and develop skills necessary for success in the classroom and in the career of their choice. The program will also expand dual-enrollment and credentialing opportunities.

Connect2Success extends year-round experiential learning opportunities offered each summer through Louisiana GEAR UP (Louisiana Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), and partnerships with post-secondary institutions around the state. Louisiana GEAR UP, through LOSFA, strives to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in their post-secondary studies.

Currently, Louisiana GEAR UP serves 12,100 students in 15 districts. Recently, LOSFA partnered with Northwestern State University to host its inaugural Connect2Success event. NSU hosted 200 students from high schools around the northwest at a leadership summit. High school students engaged with students in NSU’s Presidential Leadership Program.
 “My trip to NSU taught me that the future belongs to those who make plans and put them in to action,” said Makayland Parson, a student at Wossman High School. Providing professional development, such as leadership skills, is another goal of Connect2Success .
  Students participated in several team building activities, learned why being a leader makes them appealing to colleges (in addition to grades and ACT scores), and walked the campus while connecting with peer mentors – NSU students majoring in areas which interested them. “In the future I’d love to connect with Louisiana GEAR UP students by leading small group activities or through a buddy system – where we spend the day with them,” said one NSU student. As part of the partnership with LOSFA, NSU will also help students better understand what financial aid resources, tutoring, and other student support services are available. NSU has planned several other Connect2Success events for the remainder of this academic year. They will host an engineering technology symposium with hands-on learning activities on Wednesday, November 20. A handful of colleges and universities have also partnered with LOSFA’s Connect2Success initiative. For more information on Connect 2 Success, click here.